The No 8 Wire

Agritech talent wanted

Sprout is scouting the Hawke's Bay region to find the next "agritech superstar" to take part in the second serving of its accelerator programme.

The national agritech business accelerator is searching the country for eight budding entrepreneurs with embryonic agritech businesses operating in the paddock to the plate space, and using technologies that improve yield, efficiency and profitability.

The chosen eight will receive a cash investment of $20,000 and be placed in a five-month part-time and remotely delivered programme that will see them flown around the country for mentoring and training from world-class leaders in technology, research and business growth.

Register to apply at sproutagritech.com.register. The programme commences on October 6.

CEO retires

Chief executive of the Fertiliser Association of New Zealand, Dr Philip Mladenov, will be retiring after six years with the industry-good organisation.

The announcement was made this week by the chairman of the association, John Henderson. Dr Mladenov will not depart until later in the year, once a replacement chief executive is recruited.

Mr Henderson says that under Dr Mladenov's leadership the Fertiliser Association has evolved into an influential body that plays an important role in the delivery of productive, economic and environmentally sustainable farming practices through the responsible use of agri-nutrients.

New PR boss

Federated Farmers has appointed Wellington communications strategist Leigh Catley to the role of general manager, communications.

She was previously head of communications at Horticulture New Zealand for 10 years.

She has a background in journalism, editorial management and public relations in New Zealand and Australia.

Her former employment includes time working for the New Zealand Press Association, the Australian Associated Press and Radio New Zealand.

Federated Farmers chief executive Graham Smith welcomed Leigh, saying it was great to have someone on board with a good understanding of the value of the primary sector to New Zealand.