Field Notes Issue 635 Field Notes Issue 635 Field Notes Issue 635

Yesterday, we released Chapter-two of our Agribusiness Agenda. In chapter-one we identified six priorities for boosting growth and resilience in New Zealand's food and fibre industries.

In Chapter-two, we dive into the stories of organisations who have used these priorities to not only survive but to grow and prosper over the last three pandemic-impacted years; offering valuable insights for the sector.

These case studies highlight the importance of collaboration and investment in achieving sustainability for the environment, community, and consumers.

To read the full Agenda, click here.

Ella Beatty from KPMG Propagate writes on the future of women in agriculture.

With a flood of women studying and graduating into the sector, Ella explores what opportunities will arise with more women injected into the food and fibre sector.

The Waiting Room: The Future of Women in Agriculture | LinkedIn

Taking control of reconnecting with the world [By Ella Beatty & Pratik Bhanage]

This case study explores insights from the leadership team at First Light Foods as they’ve navigated a rapidly changing world while maintaining a deep level of international connectedness. A New Zealand-based business focused on delivering consumers some of the world’s best grass-fed meat. First Light Foods has invested in maintaining strong relationships across its supply chain, from its farmers in New Zealand to their in-market retailers overseas. The case study discusses how the organisation has established and maintained these relationships, an example of genuine commitment to value over volume, and shares key success factors that other businesses may learn from.

Accelerating towards the future of work [By Lincoln Roper & Matthew Lancaster]

This case study explores the initiatives and strategies employed by T&G Global Limited, a New Zealand-based fresh produce specialist. It investigates the future of its workforce, and the role automation will play as labour shortage concerns become more common. Through interviews with Wendy Burton and Emma George, we learn of the ambitious apple growing goals, modern post-harvest facilities, and initiatives and programs they employ to attract, retain, and grow its people. It also discusses T&G's 2035 vision and its commitment to supplying key markets with fresh and healthy produce, integrating world-class technology in post-harvest operations, and developing a high-performing, diverse, and inclusive culture.

Capturing the unique opportunity in decarbonisation [By Paulette Elliot]

This case study follows three New Zealand organisations - Forest Lodge, Chia Sisters, and Lake Hawea Station – as they strive to create a lower carbon future. Forest Lodge has achieved the ambitious goal of becoming the world's first 100% electric, zero fossil fuel orchard, proving that it is possible to decarbonise and still realise market premiums for its horticulture products. Chia Sisters is showing that it is possible to do business differently with less environmental impact, as they become New Zealand's first solar-powered juicer. Finally, Lake Hawea Station is leading the way in climate change mitigation projects, becoming the first farm in Australasia to be awarded Carbon Zero certification. They are now eager to take it further and become 10x carbon-positive, encouraging other farmers to learn from their experiences.

Collaborating substantively [By Brigitte Revera]

This case study follows the Bradley family and their award-winning business, AgriSea. Tane and Clare Bradley lead a bustling organisation, collaborating with various organisations, the local community, and iwi. They are working on a three-year alternative protein project with AgResearch, a seaweed hydrogel partnership with Scion, and a significant collaborative research project with ten farmers and three research institutions. They share insight into the vital success factors for thriving collaborations, such as transparency, authenticity, trust, and listening to the other parties. Finally, the Bradleys share their 2035 vision for a world where seaweed, and AgriSea as a catalyst, are helping thousands to thrive.

Bold steps now to benefit future generations [By Jack Keeys]

This case study explores two Aotearoa New Zealand organisations – Ārepa and AgResearch – that are taking bold steps to benefit future generations. Ārepa is a neuroscience-backed brain nutrition company, while AgResearch is a Crown Research Institute focusing on biotechnology research. Both organisations have invested resources into their respective fields, with AgResearch's biotechnology research leading to the development of High Metabolisable Energy (HME) ryegrass, a genetically modified white clover, and gene-edited endophytes. Ārepa has also invested in leading-edge research and clinical trials, creating its science-backed products. This case study explores how these organisations have achieved success, and how their examples can be applied to other organisations in the food and fibre sector.

A food system that works for all New Zealanders [By Ainslie Ballinger]

This case study explores how two New Zealand organisations – Meat the Need and the New Zealand Food Network – are working together to provide quality and nutritious food to those in need. It examines how their efforts have provided export-quality meat and milk to those who otherwise may not have the resources to purchase it. Additionally, it investigates how these organisations adapt and innovate to match New Zealand’s surplus food to the ever-growing demand for food aid. Finally, it highlights how in the future, technology and data could provide time-sensitive intelligence on mapping food requirements based on health needs, and how this could reduce food waste and loss.