Canterbury is New Zealand’s largest region – home to stunning scenery, sunshine, water and flat land that grows and produces a diversity of food. Our challenge is how to continue the tradition of New Zealand agricultural innovation and stay ahead, while remaining in harmony with our environment, to create sustainable outcomes for our people, our land, our country and future generations.

Blinc Innovation, in partnership with the New Zealand Agricultural Show (NZAS), invite you to see what innovation is happening, connect with your peers and join the discussion as we design and navigate what is next in this key industry. The Blinc Innovation Hub in the innovation marquee is host to Agribusiness innovators and is providing a series of seminars,* innovations showcases and book signings. The seminars will each feature four expert panelists who will share their insights and perspectives and allow the chance for Q&A with the audience. Join the discussion and be part of what’s next.

*Please note, the seminars are free of charge and only require you to register for the event, however, a ticket for the NZAS will be required for entry to the Blinc Innovation Hub. If you would like to attend more than one seminar, please ensure you register for each Seminar separately.

Wednesday, 14 November

Seminar 1 | Innovation Breakfast: Creating a Sustainable Farming Future

MC: Sarah Perriam, co-host on RadioLIVE's 'Rural Exchange'

The rising global population, labour shortages and market volatility are just some of the issues faced on farms today. In this seminar, we will explore these issues, what they mean for you and your business and what considerations need to be made when planning for the future. The first panel will focus on the what are the opportunities and threats that could impact the future of Canterbury farming and food production and how we might respond to create what is next. The second panel will explore the emerging new business models, discuss the challenges faced by existing agri business models and how we might adjust to capture opportunity and maximise value from our land for farmers and growers.

8:00am – Breakfast & Networking

8:30am - Welcome & Opening

9:00am – Panel 1 | Canterbury Farming and Food Production in 2030, with host Richard Green, Executive Chairman, various

10:00am – Panel 2 | New Business Models: Capturing Value for Farmers and NZ, with host Toni Laming, CEO, Blinc Innovation

11:00am - Our Land, Our People, presentation & book signing with author Ross Hyland

11:30am - Panel 3 | Innovation Showcase: New Business Model Innovation, with host Bridget Unsworth, Invesment Director, NZVIF

Seminar 2 | Building Water Resilience for our Future

Water is one of our most precious resources and has a direct impact on our environment, farmers, community, citizens, tourists and future generations. Canterbury has a long history of capturing and managing water. This seminar will explore what must be considered when faced with challenges to enhance this resource in our catchments for everyone. Integrated decision making is essential, but where do we start?

1:30pm – Panel 4 | Building Water Resilience for our Future, with host Mike Manning, GM Innovation & Strategy, Ravensdown

2:45pm - Panel 5 | Innovation Showcase: Water Management Innovation with host Toni Laming, CEO, Blinc Innovation

Thursday, 15 November

Seminar 3 | Innovation Showcase

11:30am: Panel 6 | Innovation Showcase, New Innovation Platforms for On-Farm Decision Support with host Ross Hyland, author, Our Land, Our People

Seminar 4 | Managing Biosecurity is Critical to our Future

Biosecurity has the ability to protect or devastate agriculture in New Zealand. We are seeing the impact if there is a breach of our borders – deliberate or through ignorance? Awareness, knowledge and collaboration are all necessary to take action. This seminar will concentrate on our roles to protect and enhance our country and most critical primary industries. Key insights, learnings and considerations will be shared by the panellists who have experienced this to start the conversation around this important topic.

1:30pm – Panel 7 | Safeguarding our Food Systems for a Prosperous Future with host Dr. Bruce Campbell, Principal, Dr Bruce Campbell Consultants Limited

3:00pm - Our Land, Our People, presentation & book signing with author Ross Hyland

To find out more about the Hub, the events and our special guests, please click here.

To purchase tickets for The Show, please click here.