Presenter:    Dr John Roche, Chief Science Adviser, Ministry for Primary Industries

John was appointed Chief Scientist in June 2018 to provide strategic science advice across MPI. He leads the organisation’s Science Forum, which works to promote MPI’s scientific expertise. John also Chairs the independent Mycoplasma bovis Strategic Science Advisory Group, set up to help accelerate eradication of this devastating cattle disease from New Zealand, and the Kauri Dieback SSAG which focuses on the science needed to protect Aotearoa’s Kauri.

John was previously DairyNZ’s Principal Scientist for Animal Science and an Adjunct Professor at Lincoln University. He’s also held science appointments with the National Centre for Dairy Production Research in Ireland, the Department of Primary Industries in Australia, and the University of Tasmania. He is also Managing Director of Down to Earth Advice Ltd.

Widely published and a regular contributor to international science and farming conferences, John has an Honours degree in Agricultural Science, a Masters in Farm Systems and Pasture Management, and a PhD in Animal Nutrition.

All welcome.