"Ill-informed people talk about the knowledge economy as if it doesn't apply to agriculture. They are mistaken. The biggest gains for New Zealand in the new era will come by adding value through science to our primary production systems"
Agricultural Scientist
Day-to-day activities include:
- laboratory research to advance the quality and quantity of production from agricultural systems
- laboratory research to develop environmentally friendly, sustainable agricultural systems
- application of molecular biology to the improvement of plants and animals
- managing animal trials
Careers include:
- Crown Research Institutes (e.g.AgResearch, LandCare)
- Universities
- Biotechnology companies
- Agribusiness companies
- Environmental care companies
- Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
- Other Government organisations
Training to be an agricultural scientist
Massey University has just introduced a new major in agricultural science in to the BSc Degree. The aim of the major in Agricultural Science is to encourage students to combine a strong science programme (e.g.chemistry, biochemistry,statistics, animal and plant physiology, genetics) with a grounding in agriculture. You will be at the forefront of the application of new science technologies such as gene discovery, food chemistry, plant and animal physiology and molecular genetics to New Zealand's largest export industry agriculture.
