Grain production is one of the main building blocks for the arable industry. Cropping in New Zealand is done under rotation involving a variety of crops and often livestock grazing. In order to maintain the rotation, cereal grains alternate with other species to underpin the diversity and resilience of the system. New Zealand produced one million tonnes of grains in 2024.
Meet the professionals driving New Zealand Grown Grains and our certified gain growers and producers across New Zealand.
Ivan serves as the General Manager Business Operations at the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR). His role involves overseeing the business operations and ensuring the organisation's strategic direction aligns with its mission to support the New Zealand arable industry. Ivan's expertise in biosecurity and agricultural research is instrumental in the FAR's efforts to maintain readiness activities for potential threats to arable crops and to collect the biosecurity levy that covers expenses for responses to incursions of weeds, pests, and diseases. His work is a testament to his commitment to advancing the agricultural sector and ensuring the sustainability of New Zealand's food system.
Angela Clifford is the Chief Executive of Eat New Zealand and a long-time advocate for a more connected, resilient and locally grounded food system in Aotearoa. Her work focuses on reconnecting people with the land, the ocean and the stories behind food, and she has worked across local food systems, regional food development and national food strategy. Angela is also a food grower and educator, and has been a leading voice in conversations about how Aotearoa can build a fairer, more resilient food future.
Kate is a food writer, communications specialist for Eat New Zealand, and co-owner of Auckland vegetarian restaurant Forest. She leads the Eat NZ Kaitaki- a collective of next-generation food leaders, and has spent over a decade celebrating and connecting people to the Aotearoa food story through events, community and storytelling.
Anna is a Manager of Communications at FAR. With a background in communications and events management, Anna has been instrumental in developing the organisation's research and technology transfer initiatives. Her role includes creating and managing digital resources and tools to support the growing demand for accessible information within the arable industry.
This group of experienced and knowledgeable people brings together industry expertise to support and guide the direction of the initiative.
