Congratulations to NZGSTA 2023 Winner Harriet Barbar.
From Harriet
Although I’ve always been keen on anything outdoors, starting at Massey University has opened a door to the primary sector that my city life growing up never presented. I am now approaching my third year of study in a Bachelor of Horticultural Science, and my passion for ag and hort has never been stronger.
University has given me an integral foundation of knowledge whilst conjointly developing a deep appreciation for our production sectors and the hardworking individuals within this group that collectively form our country’s backbone.
Upon completion of my degree, I intend to continue with postgraduate study to further the contribution I can make to the NZ seed industry. Learning about the Margot Forde Germplasm Centre whilst working at AgResearch has shown me the importance of conserving genetic material that we can derive future cultivars from to adapt to our changing environment. Experience at PGG Wrightson Seeds has allowed me to explore the plant breeding process and has granted an immersion into the development of some the dairy and sheep and beef sector’s most valued pastoral cultivars. I have found this learning to be unbelievably rewarding and am thankful for NZGSTA’s support in enabling me to continue to follow my interests. Receiving this scholarship will assist in my future studies and help me give back to the industry.
I look forward to the continuation of my studies in 2023 and cannot wait to make the most of the networking opportunities this scholarship will facilitate. Thanks again NZGSTA!
