About this Event
This year’s Innovation Series explores how innovation and sustainability are shaping the future of farming. For our first Innovation Series event in 2026, we turn our focus to water soil and biodiversity: how can New Zealand farmers continue to produce food and fibre while protecting the natural systems their businesses depend on?
With growing pressure from freshwater regulations, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss, the challenge lies in finding a balance between productivity and long-term resilience. Farms that support ecosystem services — such as clean water, fertile soils, and thriving habitats — are better equipped to withstand environmental and economic shocks. But achieving this balance requires fresh thinking, innovation, and collaboration across disciplines.
Join us as leading researchers and practitioners share practical strategies for integrating water, soil, and biodiversity management into modern farming systems. Together, we’ll explore innovative tools, land-use practices, and business models that reduce environmental impact while safeguarding productivity — offering a glimpse into what truly sustainable, future-ready farming looks like.
This special Innovation Series event will bring together experts from across research, industry, and farming communities for an insightful and solutions-focused discussion on how we can align profitable food production with the health of our natural environment.
Wednesday 8 April
9.00am - 1.30pm
S1, Stewart Building, Lincoln University
Programme
9.00am: Welcome
9.15am: Session 1: Foundations of Resilient Farm Ecosystems
Understanding water, soil, and biodiversity as productive assets
9.15am Keynote Speaker 1
9.35am Keynote Speaker 2
9.55am Keynote Speaker 3
10.15am Q&A
10.20am: Break
10.35am: Session 2: Innovation in Integrated Land Management
Tools, technologies, and practices for sustainable production
10.35am Keynote Speaker 1
10.55am Keynote Speaker 2
11.15am Keynote Speaker 3
11.35am Q&A
11.40am: Break
11.50am: Session 3: Future-Proofing Profitable Farming Systems
Aligning environmental performance with business success
11.50am Keynote Speaker 1
12.10pm Keynote Speaker 2
12.30pm Keynote Speaker 3
12.50pm Q&A
12.55pm: Summary
1.05pm: Lunch and networking
1.30pm: Event finishes
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
S1 - Stewart Building, Lincoln University Campus, Lincoln University, New Zealand
NZD 10.00
