• Responsible and Profitable Farming
• Building Sector Capability for the Future
• Connecting Growers with new Technology and Tools

The agricultural sector continues to play a pivotal role in the prosperity and economic development of New Zealand. In an environment where the cost of production will likely continue to increase, maintaining a competitive edge on the international stage increasingly relies on good stewardship, innovative thinking and the integration of technology that will bring efficiencies and drive a point of difference. For Agriculture, all of these require a foundation of quality research and development.

The Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) is dedicated to researching and developing tools, processes, and systems that extend from the fundamentals of good farming practice, to the latest in technologies and innovation from around the world. Assessing and sharing outcomes, data and knowledge with their levy payers brings value and strong economic benefit, underpinned by the principal of environmental sustainability. Collaboration and partnership both locally and at an international level becomes crucial to success as FAR like many other industry bodies, appreciates that like minds innovating together brings leverage.

FAR has come a long way in the last 7 years, with the current CEO retiring this is an opportunity for the new CEO to take the Arable sector further forward working with both levy payers and key industry stakeholders in a dynamic and changing landscape.

Whilst a science-based background in Arable will be a clear strength, knowledge, experience, and strong empathy in the agricultural sector and how this operates in a New Zealand context under a membership environment will be critical to achieving cut through. Your equally strong attributes need to include strength in communication, leadership, stakeholder relationship development, a strong commercial head and all that brings in terms of financial literacy, business acumen etc, with a key strength in strategy.

Arable farming in New Zealand continues to be challenged at a scale, volume and return levels. Whilst efficiencies and sound management techniques are important environmentally and at grass roots, the ability to be competitive with a point of differentiation rather than being a “Me2” is critical to the industry’s future.

To be considered you must contact Echelon Group directly as applications through other agencies will not be considered or accepted.