Seven promising tertiary students working towards careers in the primary industries have been awarded scholarships to support their studies.

Funded by Ballance Agri-Nutrients, the scholarships will provide a financial boost to students looking to work in agriculture, agribusiness or horticulture.

The Government’s goal of increasing New Zealand’s export returns by 2025 means more skilled people will need to enter the primary sector quickly, says Ballance Agri-Nutrients science strategy manager Warwick Catto.

“One in seven people work in New Zealand’s primary industries. Into the future, much of the growth in employment opportunities will come in the form of highly skilled jobs,” says Warwick.

“By 2025, it's anticipated 62 per cent of primary industry employees will have formal, post-school qualifications, up from 44 per cent in 2012.”

“These scholarships are a way to make a small but meaningful contribution to future success of agricultural and horticulture in New Zealand, and the communities and businesses that rely on them – Ballance included.

“The calibre of our scholarship recipients for 2021 was extremely high, both academically and in terms of wider community and cultural contributions. They cover a cross-section of the primary sector, from agribusiness to vet work, science and marketing”

Since its inception in 2003, more than 80 students have benefited from the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Scholarship programme. Each year, scholarship applications are open to all New Zealanders, of any age. Those awarded scholarships receive $4000 per year their scholarship is active.

Sarah Wilson from Te Puke received a three year Ballance scholarship, which will total in $12,000.

“I'm beyond excited to look into the agricultural industry and figure out how New Zealand's premium products get from the farm right through to the consumer,” says Sarah, who is studying a Bachelor of Agribusiness at Massey University in Palmerston North.

“I’m particularly looking forward to the marketing papers."

Joe Ward from the Hawkes Bay received a one year scholarship, which will assist him in obtaining his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Canterbury, with a double major in finance and strategy, marketing and entrepreneurship.

“I am looking forward to getting out in the agricultural industry and seeing where my career takes me.”