Thursday, 06 August 2026 08:55

Farm2Future Camp Opens Students' Eyes to Agribusiness Careers

Written by Staff Reporters

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Visit to Oakley’s Premium fresh Vegetables – Robin Oakley second from right at ground level

Twenty five secondary school students from around New Zealand recently completed a three day residential programme designed to explore career opportunities across the food and fibre production supply chain.

Held last month, the Farm2Future educational camp, funded by Rabobank and run by Lincoln University, brought togethr Year 12 students from 20 schools nationwide.

During the programme, participants visited a range of agribusinesses throughout Canterbury, including Rakaia Island Dairy Farm, Oakley's Premium Fresh Vegetables, PGG Wrightson, Original Foods, Zentera Wool Company, and Foodstuffs.

Students also attended a presentation by Sudeley Angus and Sheep Stud, heard from a panel of young agribusiness professionals about their roles and career pathways, and toured Lincoln University to gain further insight into agricultural education.

Rabobank Upper South Island client council chair and Oakley's founder Robin Oakley said Farm2Future was originally developed by Rabobank and Lincoln University in response to a need to raise awareness of the diverse career opportunities available within New Zealand's food and fibre sector among secondary school students.

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