About
The Centre of Excellence in Transformative Agribusiness, is dedicated to enhancing sustainability in the food and fibre sectors. It supports the development of new products and ways of working that increase economic and social value while reducing the environmental impacts of agribusinesses. Drawing on international best practice, the centre brings together researchers, policymakers and industry to assess the feasibility of transformative agribusiness in Aotearoa New Zealand and develop tangible solutions.
Globally, agribusiness faces the challenge of producing more food and fibre to meet ever-increasing demand due to population growth and economic development.
However, in many countries, the sector is reaching environmental limits. In conjunction with other concerns, such as animal welfare, this leads to reduced social acceptance of the sector. Nowhere is this more acute than in New Zealand, due to its economic reliance on agribusiness, the high proportion of emissions that come from the land-based sector, and the importance of the natural environment to other sectors such as tourism.
There is widespread agreement that a transformation is needed. This includes facilitating new ways of working and developing new products to meet the changing demands of consumers.
The Centre of Excellence in Transformative Agribusiness aims to be at the international forefront of solutions that will enhance the sustainability of the food and fibre sectors. Its role is to support the development of new products and new ways of working that increase economic and social value while reducing the environmental impacts of agribusinesses.
The centre:
Adds value to existing initiatives through integration
Is drawing on international ‘best practice’ to assess the feasibility of transformative agribusiness for NZ
Has strong internal, national and international partnerships with industry, policy and researchers
Engages with undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes
Is establishing a cohort of research students.
