11 March 2008 Education essential precursor to agricultural sector growth says Lincoln University

Lincoln University welcomes the Government’s announcement of a $700 million funding boost for research, development and innovation in New Zealand’s pastoral and food industry sectors.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Roger Field says tertiary education has a vital role in supporting the initiative.

“Education is the essential precursor to any desired expansion in these sectors.  

“Without a ready supply of appropriately qualified and experienced personnel from practitioners to researchers to developers and innovators, no industry can expand or switch overnight into ‘fast forward’ mode.

“The need for long-term planning horizons to produce the human capability to boost the pastoral and food industry sectors is a critical element. The announcement is a welcome starting point and a step in the right direction for  future growth of the pastoral and food industry sectors,” says Professor Field.