Co-Directors
Co-Directors Alan and Wim lead the Centre of Excellence in Transformative Agribusiness
Professor. Alan Renwick
Alan Renwick has been Professor of Agriculture Economics at Lincoln University since November 2015. Prior to moving to New Zealand, he worked in academic institutions in England, Scotland and Ireland. During his 30 year career he has undertaken research on a wide range of issues facing the agrifood sector for both government bodies and industry. Recently a key focus of his work has been on the economics of existing and novel land uses and the processes involved in land-use transformation and adaptation to climate change. He is currently Co-Chair of the Lincoln University Centre of Excellence in Transformative Agribusiness which 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.
Dr. Wim de Koning
Dr. Wim de Koning is a passionate creator of sustainable added value in the Agri-Food Industry space. Having extensive global experience in sales & marketing of fast-moving consumer goods, he understands from first-hand experience what is required to be part of a global sustainable value chain. His appointment of Visiting Professor in Business & Enterprise Development at the prestigious Harper Adams University, United Kingdom & HAS University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands has enabled him to stimulate the added value potential of (international) entrepreneurship in the agri-food value chain and also to encourage innovation.
In 2018, Dr. de Koning made the decision to relocate to Canterbury, New Zealand from The Netherlands. With his role at Lincoln University as a Professional Teaching Fellow and Executive Director of B.linc Innovation, he saw opportunities & was able to put his expertise into use. Together with a colleague, Dr Jeff Heyl, they created The Energy Demonstration Farm. It is his vision that the Centre of Excellence allows all-inclusive participation & will be open to all potential partners and the operations will be transparent to all stakeholders.