Agribusiness Guest Speaker – Kim Reilly, Federated Farmers’ Regional Policy Manager (South Island).

Kim explained the structure of Federated Farmers and what their purpose is. Kim is also a member of the Biodiversity Collaboration Group which regularly meets in Wellington to discuss how to care for the native plants and animals and their ecosystems. This group is made up of stakeholders including government departments, tangata whenua, landholders, infrastructure providers and environment groups. Kim has a thorough knowledge of what’s happening at the cutting edge of Agribusiness.

Kim discussed some of the challenges NZ farmers face:

•  With increased investment by Silicon Valley in new synthetic food (out of a test tube) means that the “impossible burger” is a reality. (https://www.impossiblefoods.com/burger/). This is a growing area of research that will have a big impact on our farming sector.
  
• The importance of using niche marketing to promote our unique products.
  
• The importance of maintaining our water quality.
  
• The importance of investing in science and technology eg. Drones, soil science and realising the impact of every action on the environment.
  
• The importance of maintaining the high social expectation of agribusiness in New Zealand.
  

Kim also explained the numerous career opportunities that already exist in New Zealand. She has trouble finding qualified planners to assist her. There are many jobs that have not yet been created and she reiterated this to the students. Employment opportunities for graduates are excellent as there is a shortage.

Kim told us about some of the exciting research and projects that are currently underway in and around Dunedin. Some of the day to day activities Kim undertakes include environmental interests, court mediation processes, media queries, and plans at Council level. Kim has offered to support the students in any way she can including guest speakers, sending latest publications of research, finding experts who can answer any questions and assist the students in their particular field (even dung bettles!) Her job certainly does not appear to be dull.

The students thoroughly enjoyed listening to Kim and we are fortunate that Kim is parent at the school! We literally have an expert on our doorstep!