WoolPro moves to varsity

29 November 2001

MEDIA RELEASE

Farming Media & Daily Media Farm Pages

IMMEDIATE

WoolPro moves to varsity

[315 words]

WoolPro, one of the country’s largest funders of sheep research, has joined forces with Lincoln and Massey Universities.

WoolPro’s Christchurch team has now moved to the Lincoln University campus, and the Palmerston North team will move to Massey shortly.

Along with its research funding, WoolPro also encourages innovation and co-ordinates technology development, extension, education and training in the sheep industry.

WoolPro chief executive Richard Gardner says the on-campus move will make this work easier and more effective.

“It puts WoolPro’s network of extension specialists in much closer contact with scientists, educators and private consultants,” he says.

“Research, extension, education and training will be better co-ordinated. Networks and knowledge are already being shared.

“More efficient use will be made of available funds. Agriculture will also be re-established as an attractive career option for young people.”

Gardner says Lincoln and Massey were logical strategic partners for WoolPro. They are long-standing agricultural training and innovation centres, and have AgResearch, WRONZ and other important research providers on their doorsteps.

He says the two campuses will become the centres of ‘networks of excellence’ driving innovation in New Zealand’s farming industry.

WoolPro began its life as part of the Wool Board and since 1997 has operated as a stand-alone company with an independent chairman.

More …

Varsity 2

When the Wool Board is wound up, WoolPro will need a new source of funds for the activities it carries out on behalf of farmers. Mr Gardner says this will probably be via the Commodity Levies Act, as well as from the fees it charges trainees, students and other clients.

“The changes we have been making over the last six months will ensure that the best possible use is made of levy funds.

“By working together with the universities and others we can share knowledge, make better use of limited funds and ensure essential scientific expertise is sustained.”

[ends]

For more information, contact Richard Gardner

Tel 04 471 4694 or 027 249 8820

For a JPEG photo of WoolPro staff moving to Lincoln, please email greer@wham.co.nz or phone Greer Schick on 04 381 4653

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