Craig Osborne is NZIPIM's new President

Craig Osbourne has had a 25 year career in corporate agribusiness, having held senior roles at Fonterra and PGG Wrightson. Photo / Supplied

The New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM) has appointed Craig Osborne as President of NZIPIM, replacing out-going President Guy Blundell who has finished his two-year term.

"It's an exciting time for NZIPIM and the rural profession", says Osborne.

"As farming systems become increasingly complex, and we adapt to farming in a more sustainable way, the role of rural professionals in assisting and advising their farming clients will continue to grow in importance.

NZIPIM has a vital role in building the capability and knowledge of our members to support the farming community at the scale and speed required in the future.

"We are also entering a period of unprecedented change and innovation in global food production with multiple competing trends at play. Global consumers are seeking better quality food choices while demanding lower social and environmental impacts. A revolution in renewable energy, the effects of climate change and its mitigations and novel food production processes look set to fundamentally change how we feed a growing population.

"New Zealand agriculture stands at the intersection of these trends.

"Rural professionals play a key role in helping our primary industries anticipate and prepare for these changes" said Osborne.

In accepting the role Mr Osborne recognised the contribution of Guy Blundell, the immediate past President.

"Guy has provided strong leadership to the Institute over the last two years during a period which saw membership numbers exceed 1,000 for the first time.

He has also balanced this with significant growth of his own business, Compass Agribusiness, which was a recent finalist in the Deloitte Fast 50s."

Craig Osborne's background

Craig has had a 25 year career in corporate agribusiness, having held senior roles at Fonterra and PGG Wrightson. He now runs his own strategic consulting practice, assisting a range of clients, including Ngāi Tahu Farming and MHV Water. He is actively involved in key industry issues through his consulting and as a member of the steering committee of Crops for Future Foods.