Editorial: Recognition for ag science

Well, just like good cheese, some things are worth waiting for and the news that Dr John Roche has got the top job is a masterstroke and great news for the primary sector.

The decision was worth waiting for to get a science leader of the caliber of John Roche. At last, there is someone in the Beehive mix who is a highly respected and internationally recognised agricultural scientist, who can take grassroots farmer, industry and agricultural science matters directly to the boss – the Prime Minister.

For too long, agriculture has been on the outer in terms of science but wisely the Government has seen that quality practical science – especially agriculture – is the answer to economic growth and prosperity.

Luxon’s clear message that ‘bold and courageous decisions need to be made about those (science) areas that aren’t delivering value to NZ’ is laying it on the line to some academics who have indulged themselves in what the late Robert Muldoon caustically described as ‘fun subjects’.

Criticism that the advisory panel has a significant focus on ‘dairy’ says it all. These same people would be without a job and a good lifestyle if it wasn’t for dairy – so get over it and face reality.

While the advisory panel does have people on it from the primary sector, they are all smart individuals with proven ability to innovate and translate that into effective business propositions so good science, in whatever field, will surely not be neglected as some might suggest.

Roche is an intelligent, charming individual (helped a fair bit by his Irishness) with a stellar CV who is constantly in demand as a speaker internationally and locally on matters of science. To top it off, he is a fabulous communicator of science and is a fantastic choice for this important role.