Agribusiness Report: University making a valuable contribution

Peter Kemp believes adding value is key to earning premiums offshore.

Professor Peter Kemp believes Massey University is critical to the growth of agriculture in NZ. "Massey has expertise across the food value chain that is essential to growth from animal and pastoral science to business management, marketing and international trade to consumer trends," says Kemp, Head of Massey's Institute of Agriculture and Environment.

"The Government's economic growth agenda is to reach $58 billion by 2025. That's ambitious and a great target to aim for," Kemp said.

"However, it will be impossible to reach without a focus beyond our traditional export revenue streams. We mustn't forget about the role of horticulture, viticulture/wine and aquaculture industry in the agrifood sector."

Massey continues to tailor its undergraduate and postgraduate teaching to support the industry and to be involved in research across the full spectrum of the agricultural industries and the food value chain. Massey and Plant and Food have partnered to form a Joint Graduate School in Horticulture and Food Enterprise, to ensure research capability that meets New Zealand's needs continues to be developed. Massey has 400 PhD students working in agrifood. Research collaborations like this are vital to promoting long-term growth in New Zealand's agricultural industry. Partnerships between universities, government authorities and research institutes allow for resource sharing and collaboration, which is crucial given New Zealand's small footprint relative to other global players.

Massey is a partner in FoodHQ, New Zealand's centre for collaborative food research, and is working with the other partners to generate value for food across the value chain.

Kemp believes that adding value to our great ingredients is the key to earning premiums offshore.

"Massey's FoodPilot provides NZ businesses with the facilities to develop and test new products for new markets. Massey provides the expertise to help businesses with product development, to extend product lines and to meet international regulations. Massey's Institute of Food Nutrition and Human Health works with Fonterra to develop new products and processes in the dairy industry."

Providing safe products to distant markets is also a key focus, as burgeoning middle class populations demand top quality products. Finding and maintaining New Zealand's niche will be dependent on collaborative research and education of young leaders in the agricultural industry. Biolumic, a spin-off company from Massey, is providing a world leading system for producing healthier vegetables using innovative UV lighting systems. The NZ Centre for Precision Agriculture research, a unit within the university, is developing the latest sensor technology for mapping and pasture production and quality.

"We work directly with partners through FoodHQ, Riddet Institute and OneFarm (Centre for Farm Business Management) and via our internationally recognised consultants - such as Professor Hamish Gow - to help agri-companies with strategic planning to grow businesses," Kemp says. These partnerships extend beyond traditional agricultural research, and into the realms of how New Zealand can become a world leader in marketing its products and developing strong global brands. "Massey's College of Creative Arts has industrial designers working with major agribusinesses, such as Gallaghers, designing new products and educating students to be the next generation of designers."

An increasing focus in global agriculture is in finding the balance between environmental sustainability and agricultural development. The Institute of Agriculture and Environment strives to support this balance, supporting production initiatives around long-term sustainable resource use. Degrees in environmental science and management are available, alongside professional short courses on sustainable nutrient management for fertiliser company staff, regional council staff and consultants

"We incorporate aspects of environmental research within all our agricultural research, Kemp says. "Examples are the projects on our two dairy farms.

"No 4 dairy farm is Pastoral 21 Farm researching best practices to decrease nitrate leaching on heavy, wet soils. No 1 dairy farm has Project Dairy One on it, which is transitioning the farm so that it provides industry leadership in decreasing the environmental footprint of dairy farms in sensitive catchments."

Meanwhile, The Centre for Precision Agriculture has developed a system that enables top-dressing planes to apply fertiliser only where, and at the rate, it is required. This ensures waterways and other sensitive areas are not contaminated.

Kemp is confident Massey will continue to attract local students who want to be educated at a leading university, alongside postgraduate students from every continent.

Massey University

As the 19th ranked agriculture programme worldwide, Massey University is consistently seeking out ways to both capitalise on and to improve its international standing.

Offering degrees in agriculture ranging from AgriCommerce and AgriScience, to Veterinary Science and Food Technology, the university currently offers 400 papers for study across agriculture, food and agribusiness.

Providing joint majors across Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Business Studies recognises the increasing need for expertise in commercial and traditional agriculture, readying students for agriculture careers.