Israel’s Ambassador to New Zealand, Ran Yaakoby, and the Embassy’s Director of Economy and Trade, Lisa Martin, last week participated in New Zealand AgriFood Week 2021.
The event, which ran from May 3 to 9, brought together industry leaders from the agriculture, science, food and technology sectors. Its theme this year was to delve into the scientific, technological and talent solutions that can be applied to the sector to ensure sustainable growth and resilience in a competitive global market of rising consumer awareness and changing trends.
During the week’s events the Yaakoby and Martin were hosted by Mayor of Palmerston North Grant Smith for an Emerging Proteins Dinner where they heard from the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Dame Juliet Gerrard, on the future of food together with the hosts of the event FoodHQ.
The following day they were hosted by the Mayor of Fielding Helen Worboys for the Meet the Market Luncheon where they heard from local Feilding farmers’ market producers on their diverse range of high quality nutrient-dense and innovative products.
On the sidelines of the event they visited Fonterra Research and Development Centre, where they met with the Head of FRDC Mark Piper, and learnt about the groundbreaking innovations being developed by New Zealand’s largest company.
They also visited The New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre, where they were welcomed by Chief Scientist Nigel French and his distinguished team, and attended a meeting with the Management Team for Global Engagement at Massey University.
Yaakoby and Martin expressed their thanks to the Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA), the Palmerston North City Council, Fonterra, Massey University, and all those who contributed toward a very successful visit to New Zealand’s “epicentre of agrifood innovation” – the mighty Manawatu.
