"You need to collide ideas. I can't just sit here myself and think I've got a great idea I'll sit here for the rest of my days thinking it's a great idea.

"I actually need to collide that idea with somebody else. By doing that we can actually start creating some innovation so it's about getting the right collaborative networks together and together we can actually take things forward because sitting here by myself..not a chance."

Mat Hocken, Chair of the Rural Innovation Lab

2020 Achievements:

  • Establishment of four Smartfarms in the Manawatu

  • Two Farmer and Grower Bootcamps, reviewing challenges in:

    • Cost and waste minimization

    • Developing new revenue opportunities

  • Commenced innovation projects in farm data collection, for:

    • Key data for Farm (Environmental) Plans

    • Time and motion (waste) tracking

    • Farm Audits

  • Organized CEDA NZ Agrifood Week Collaboration Long Lunch on Traceability