March 31 @ 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
Free
Lincoln University (LU), in partnership with Selwyn District Council (SDC), invites you to a one-day symposium exploring the future of food, fibre and agri-tech on Tuesday 31 March, 9.00am–2.30pm, in Waimarie at Lincoln University.
Food and fibre sit at the heart of Selwyn’s economy — but the sector is navigating a period of profound change. Climate pressures, tightening environmental limits, market volatility and shifting consumer expectations are reshaping how we produce and add value. At the same time, advances in agri-tech, biotechnology, low-emissions solutions and alternative land-use systems are unlocking new pathways to productivity, resilience and premium positioning. The challenge — and opportunity — lies in turning innovation into practical, profitable and sustainable outcomes for farms and businesses.
This dynamic symposium will bring together researchers, producers, technology innovators and industry leaders to explore what that future looks like in practice. The programme features keynote sessions on future food systems and emerging agri-tech, alongside regional farming and food entrepreneurs who are already adapting and innovating on the ground.
An interactive workshop will create space for meaningful discussion, cross-sector collaboration and shared problem-solving — connecting research with real-world application and identifying tangible next steps for the region.
Join us for a day of insight, connection and forward-thinking conversation as we explore how Selwyn — and New Zealand — can position its food and fibre sector for long-term success in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Tuesday 31 March
9.00am – 2.30pm
Waimarie Building, Lincoln University
Agenda
Opening | 9.00am–9.35am
9.00am – Welcome & Introductions
9.05am – Overview of the SDC Food & Fibre Project
An introduction to the SDC Food & Fibre project, providing context for the day’s discussions. This session will outline the drivers shaping the sector — from changing consumer expectations and sustainability pressures to technology disruption and evolving market demands — and frame the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Session 1: Future Foods | 9.35am–10.50am
Session Overview
This session explores how food producers are responding to rapidly shifting market expectations. From premium positioning and diversification to regenerative practices and value-add innovation, our speakers will share real-world examples of how they are adapting their businesses to meet the demands of future consumers while maintaining commercial viability.
9.35am – Keynote Speaker: Jolon Dyer, BSI
Brief: Jolon brings a strategic perspective on food assurance, standards, and global market access. Drawing on his experience with BSI, he will discuss how quality frameworks, traceability and sustainability credentials are shaping competitive advantage in international markets.
9.55am – Keynote Speaker: Hamish Guild, High Peak Station
Brief: Drawing on his experience at High Peak Station, Hamish will share practical insights into running a high-country farming operation grounded in environmental stewardship and thoughtful diversification. He will explore how profitability, land care, brand story, and long-term resilience can work together — and what that balance looks like in practice.
10.15am – Keynote Speaker: Phil Caunter, Melton Estate
Brief: Phil will share the Melton Estate journey — from establishment to growth — outlining the opportunities, setbacks and lessons learned along the way. His story highlights the realities of building a differentiated food and beverage brand in a competitive landscape.
10.35am – Session Summary & Q&A
A facilitated discussion drawing together common themes from the speakers, followed by audience questions and shared reflections.
10.50am – Morning Break
Workshop | 11.05am–12.35pm
Workshop Overview
Participants will break into facilitated groups to explore key questions emerging from the morning session. The workshop is designed to encourage practical thinking: what does “future foods” mean in your context and what actions or partnerships are needed to get there?
11.05am – Group Discussions
Interactive discussions focused on opportunity identification, barriers to innovation, and collaborative solutions.
12.05pm – Group Summaries
Each group will share key insights, challenges, and proposed next steps with the wider audience.
12.35pm – Lunch Break
Session 2: Developing Agri-tech | 1.25pm–2.20pm
Session Overview
The afternoon session shifts focus to the technologies reshaping agriculture. From biotechnology and emissions reduction to precision livestock management and digital tools, this session explores how disruptive innovation can enhance productivity, sustainability and sector resilience.
1.25pm – Keynote Speaker: Ruth Leary, AgriZero
Brief: Ruth will set the scene by outlining the major emissions and sustainability challenges facing the sector and the technologies being developed to address them. This presentation will provide insight into methane reduction tools, biotech solutions and the pathway to low-emissions farming systems.
1.40pm – Keynote Speaker: TBC
1.55pm – Keynote Speaker: Dugald Hamilton, RespondBio
Brief: Dugald will showcase RespondBio’s groundbreaking work in soil rehabilitation and nitrogen reduction. He’ll explore how these innovations—and other emerging digital solutions—are reshaping agriculture for greater productivity, sustainability, and resilience.
2.10pm – Session Summary & Q&A
2.30pm – Event Close
About Our Speakers
Jolon Dyer has more than 18 years’ experience in various roles focused on people and science leadership, including the roles of Science Group Leader (Food & Bio-Based Products) and Associate Research Director, Capability at AgResearch. Jolon has also gained significant national and international recognition for his science achievements, specialising in the development of redox proteomics approaches to understanding and controlling protein modification and damage.
Hamish Guild is a Canterbury sheep and deer farmer who grew up on and now operates High Peak Station, a 3,800-hectare, multi-generational farm at Rakaia Gorge. Alongside his brother Simon, he was named a 2024 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing, focusing on diversified, eco-friendly farming including venison, velvet, and tourism.
Phil Caunter is the owner of Melton Estate, a boutique winery, restaurant, and events venue in West Melton, Canterbury. With more than 30 years’ experience in international business development, Phil has built Melton Estate into a well-known regional destination for wine, dining, weddings, and celebrations. Under his leadership, the vineyard has gained recognition for its premium wines, including the popular Summer Love Sparkling, while contributing to Selwyn’s growing reputation for hospitality and tourism.
Heading the Strategy & Engagement function at AgriZeroNZ. AgriZeroNZ is a world-first public-private joint venture focused on helping farmers reduce emissions while maintaining their competitive edge. The JV is half owned by the New Zealand government through the Ministry for Primary Industries and the other half owned by The a2 Milk Company, ANZ Bank New Zealand, ANZCO, ASB Bank, BNZ, Fonterra, Rabobank, Ravensdown, Silver Fern Farms and Synlait.
AgriZeroNZ’s ambition is to ensure all farmers in Aotearoa New Zealand have equitable access to affordable, effective solutions to reduce biogenic methane and nitrous oxides emissions.
Dugald Hamilton is the founder and CEO of RespondBio, a biotechnology company developing innovative biological solutions for agriculture and environmental management. With a background in science and agribusiness, Dugald focuses on translating cutting-edge microbial research into practical tools that support more sustainable and resilient farming systems. Through RespondBio, he works closely with researchers, industry partners, and farmers to bring next-generation biological technologies from the lab to real-world application.