Dr Craig Bunt is the Inaugural Professor of Agricultural Innovation, University of Otago.Support for the Agricultural sector has been a mandate of the University for most of its history but it is only in the last few years that a degree majoring in Agricultural Innovation has been offered. The course requires a high level of engagement with industry, and the list of local companies and their projects probably suprised most of us. Facial recognition of sheep? Really?
Craig also discussed the hemp industry, heralded by National Geographics in 1937 as having tremendous potential - and scuppered by USA lawmakers a year later. It is currently grown locally on a trial basis and hemp fibre, meal and oil is used in a variety of products (a tasting was provided by Fiona for those wishing to partake). Medicinal Cannabis (a different plant species from Industrial Hemp) is also being grown on a trial basis. Apparently a Field Trip to the facility was popular with Students and Staff!
Craigs talk proved once again that there is some fascinating work being done at our local University which the general public are often unaware of.
