Ag Investment Week grows in second year
New Zealand Agri Investment Week is set to expand on its successful first year, adding new events focused on technology, innovation and future agribusiness workers.
The first agri week last year was built up around the long-running Central Districts Field Days. It involved 33 businesses, and attracted 40,000 people and three Government ministers.
This year will involve three times the number of businesses and new events, including a showcase of farming-related products and services and a youth programme giving high school pupils access to some of the biggest players in agribusiness.
Central Economic and Development Agency chairman Malcolm Bailey said the week covered the industry from ‘‘molecule to mouth’’.
‘‘The events are designed to establish connections, fuel problem solving, and encourage debate.’’
In an evaluation report for the inaugural week, Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith said it was a major success for the region.
This year, the field days will incorporate an ‘‘innovation zone’’ dedicated to showcasing businesses new products, services and ideas in the agribusiness sector.
A ‘‘youth day’’ is designed to encourage youngsters into an agribusiness career they might not consider otherwise.
In the lead up to the week, a group of talented high school pupils will go through a programme involving agribusiness experts and young professionals from the likes of FMG, Fonterra and NZX.
Federated Farmers Manawatu president James Stewart said there were many aspects to the industry, from hands-on farming to science and business.
He said that wasn’t always made clear to young people, which limited the industry’s appeal and created some issues around recruitment problems.
‘‘It’s a real positive... to give youth a wider view of what they can do in agriculture.’’
The week runs from March 13-18.