8 June 2006 Lincoln University alliance with New Zealand's first Arable Education project

Lincoln University and the Methven Heritage Association are to form an alliance to assist with the establishment of the first Arable Education Centre in New Zealand. As part of a $4million development in the farming and tourist town of Methven in Mid Canterbury, the centre will showcase the arable industry, an industry synonymous with the Mid Canterbury region.

Located within the New Zealand Grain and Snow Centre, Methven, the education project will look at the process as grain moves from paddock to table and at research undertaken by growers, industry suppliers and tertiary and research institutes. Practices by farmers that promote sustainability of the land while producing disease free crops, innovation and the transition that has occurred within the arable industry over more than a century will be a central focus of the Arable Education Centre.

In announcing the alliance with Lincoln University, the chairman of the Methven Heritage Association, Bob Jessep, said it was important when an exhibition of this type is established that it be based on the best technical and scientific knowledge as well as being effective educationally. "Lincoln University will be able to provide the advice and technical support we need to ensure we have a quality exhibition."

As a tourist town that is also central to the major arable farming region in New Zealand, the centre will attract both overseas tourists and New Zealand visitors alike. "Attractions of this type are among the fastest growing sectors in the tourism market and will build bridges to consumers both in New Zealand and overseas", said Mr Jessep.

The Vice Chancellor of Lincoln University, Professor Roger Field, said the alliance will be an opportunity for Lincoln University to gain exposure to a wider public. “We need to continually make the case for agriculture when attracting young people to university study”, he said. "We are delighted to partner with the Methven Heritage Association in placing Lincoln to the fore in promoting agriculture. As agriculture becomes increasingly complex we are finding the demand for our graduates is exceeding the numbers available. Agriculture must continue to make its case as a vibrant industry with good career options."

The $4,000,000 Methven project will refurbish and expand the fifty year old Mt Hutt Memorial Hall and include, alongside the two education centres, a refurbished auditorium, extended meeting facilities and a Hall of Memories. The project is expected to open in 2008.

Roger Field, Vice Chancellor, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand

Bob Jessep, Methven Heritage Association, Methven, Canterbury, New Zealand