The Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Craigie as Project Manager for cereals and irrigation related issues.
Rob joins us from his previous role as agronomist in the seed potato industry. As well as giving crop management advice, a key focus OF Rob’s role was to develop management techniques to control virus in seed potato crops. He was also involved with trials to optimise the performance of new varieties.
Previously Rob worked for Jatra Corporation, a Christchurch based company growing wasabi and exporting it frozen to Japan. There he identified problems with the wasabi production system and implemented a research programme to improve yield and quality of wasabi. He completed a part time Master of Horticultural Science degree on wasabi agronomy.
Rob also holds a Bachelor of Horticulture Science degree. He has also worked as a horticultural consultant for MAF.
Rob says “I am really looking forward to establishing research projects and delivering the results that will give growers tools and information that will improve their production systems. I am also looking forward to working with the FAR team.”
Nick Pyke, FAR’s Chief Executive comments: “Rob brings with him a variety of knowledge which will be a great asset in the maintenance and development of new research projects in the areas of cereals, cultivar evaluations and irrigation. Rob will also be involved in delivering the results of these research projects to farmers and industry personnel at FAR workshops, field days, conferences and discussion sessions.”