Agritech tour attracts diplomats from around the globe
Published on 28 February 2024
An impressive line-up of diplomats from around the world spent the day touring Palmerston North’s top agritech facilities last Friday, with many keen to explore trade and research opportunities further.
The 39 ambassadors, high commissioners and delegates received a stirring welcome from Rangitāne at Te Marae o Hine – The Square before spending the day touring local companies including Levno and SeedSpider, BioLumic, Croptide, Agri HQ, Lindsay Irrigation and FMG. The tour also visited Sprout Agritech, MAF Digital Labs and the FoodHQ Innovation hub.
European Union ambassador Lawrence Meredith says he enjoyed his first visit to the city and was inspired by what he saw.
“I’m really impressed by the dynamic economics of Palmerston North. We saw some fascinating presentations from a number of agritech companies and Massey University. It’s great to see what potential there is from this region.
On behalf of the EU, we really want to work together. Both in the context of our upcoming free trade agreement and especially in the context of our research cooperation Horizon Europe. I’m very much looking forward to my next visit.”
The diplomatic contingent, which included dignitaries from 22 countries and the European Union, was organised by Palmerston North City Council and timed to coincide with the Festival of Cultures. After a jam-packed Friday talking trade, the delegation stayed in the city to enjoy Saturday’s Festival of Cultures which celebrates our diverse community by showcasing food and culture from the more than 130 nationalities.
Mayor Grant Smith says the large turnout for the tour reflects the strength and reputation of Palmerston North’s agritech sector.
“Palmy is not only a national leader when it comes to our national food and technology sector but is very much a player on the world stage. As trade connections grow through opportunities like last year’s Free Trade Agreement with the EU, we’re seeing more and more interest in the cutting-edge work going on all over our city in both our local commercial companies and our renowned state research facilities.”
He says many of those attending indicated an interest in working together and that agritech is just one of the areas of interest for those looking to invest in the city.
“As strong as our food and technology offering is it is just one of the many thriving economic sectors Palmerston North has to invest in. Our pivotal central position in New Zealand’s logistics network is set to grow even further with the upcoming development of Te Utanganui – Central New Zealand Distribution Hub and we have strong retail, health, defence and central government sectors within the city as well.
“Council will continue to foster and build these global connections on behalf of our local businesses and organisations with other countries and individual cities around the world too. We’d like to thank all of the dignitaries who came to visit. We look forward to working with you all further in the near future!”
The countries represented on the tour were: Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, China, Cuba, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Samoa, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom and a delegation from the European Union.