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Since 2023, New Zealand has been igniting the deployment of digital technology in agriculture. Based on the OpenGov’s report, New Zealand’s food and fibre sector is digitising its way to a bright future. Drones, sensors, blockchain, and online platforms transform agriculture, boosting efficiency, sustainability, and farmer profits. By embracing this digital revolution, New Zealand is poised to become a global leader in high-quality, traceable food. Challenges remain, but with savvy investment and collaboration, the future of New Zealand’s food looks bright and digital.
Another journey within the realm of agriculture unfolded through a strategic partnership between Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University and an agriculture company. This collaboration underscored their dedication and marked a pivotal stride towards catapulting the nation’s agricultural sector into the forefront of the digital age.
The collaborative efforts of these two influential entities manifested in innovative initiatives, technological advancements, and knowledge exchange, all geared towards fostering sustainable practices and elevating the overall efficiency and productivity of the agricultural landscape.
Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), this collaboration signifies a joint commitment to revolutionise farming and growing practices in the country, aligning with the shared vision of a prosperous, sustainable, and innovative future for New Zealand’s primary industries. This collaborative venture exemplifies a visionary approach, blending academic expertise with industry prowess, to navigate the challenges of modern agriculture and ensure a resilient and prosperous future for the sector.
Further, New Zealand is being affected by climate change, with various impacts and implications for the country. Amidst the pressing challenges posed by climate change, particularly in greenhouse gas emissions, carbon farming, and carbon sequestration, Lincoln University and an agriculture company are poised to address these issues collaboratively. Their strategic partnership aims to drive positive change, ensuring the profitability and sustainability of Kiwi farmers and growers while meeting consumers’ evolving domestic and international expectations.
According to Professor Chad Hewitt, Lincoln University University, the agreement establishes a framework for ongoing collaboration, emphasising identifying and prioritising opportunities for joint projects. These opportunities span areas such as improving planning and coordination, conducting research and demonstrations at Lincoln University, and enhancing environmental stewardship. The partnership also aims to foster innovation, commercialisation, and the promotion of the agricultural sector to the public and policymakers.
Dr Stuart Kay, Innovation Leader at an agriculture company, highlighted a key aspect of the collaboration, noting that it creates a foundation for continued and future engagement with the University. He expressed confidence that the partnership will positively impact the industry, strengthen connections with universities, and showcase their commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The partnership highlighted includes a focus on agriculture research and commercialisation, leveraging the combined expertise of Lincoln University and an agriculture company, both renowned for their history of agricultural research and innovation. The collaboration is strategically positioned closer to Lincoln University’s robust research and development hub, facilitating the agriculture company to gain valuable expertise and resources from entities such as AgResearch, Plant & Food Research, and Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research.
An integral partnership aspect is establishing an intern programme, drawing significantly from Lincoln University. This initiative gives agriculture companies access to the next generation of agricultural leaders. It strengthens relationships with emerging talent, establishing the company as a prime destination for agricultural expertise to flourish.
The MoU between Lincoln University and the agriculture company marks a significant step towards fostering sustainability and innovation in New Zealand’s agricultural sector.
As the collaboration addresses challenges posed by climate change and aligns with industry aspirations, it sets the stage for a resilient and thriving future for the nation’s primary industries. The combined efforts of these two institutions promise not only to drive positive change but also to contribute substantially to the global conversation on sustainable agriculture.
