The New Zealand Government has backed down on its controversial proposal to eliminate Agribusiness and Agricultural and Horticultural Science as standalone NCEA subjects, following fierce opposition from industry groups.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), along with Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) and the Agriculture Teachers Association, strongly criticised the changes, prompting Education Minister Erica Stanford to reconsider. The decision to retain these subjects is seen as a significant victory for the agricultural sector, which plays a vital role in New Zealand’s economy.
Agricultural and Horticultural Science will continue as a standalone subject under the revised NCEA structure, while Agribusiness will be included within Business Studies.
B+LNZ responded positively, stating, “We’re pleased to see the Government has listened to the feedback. Agribusiness will now be part of Business Studies, with a commitment to ensuring visibility and recognition of agribusiness units.”
“If agriculture disappeared from the classroom, the crucial pipeline of talent into our industry would have dried up,” said B+LNZ. Agriculture employs around 14 percent of New Zealand’s workforce and remains a key contributor to the national economy.
Agricultural and Horticultural Science plays an important role in preparing students for careers within the sector, which includes innovative companies such as Halter, Gallagher, and Scott Technology.
Students can continue to pursue agriculture-related courses at university, with the subject’s reinstatement — a pathway made possible since Agribusiness was made a standalone subject in 2018.
Agribusiness is seen as an important tool for exposing urban students to the rural sector, building understanding of agriculture’s significance and its career opportunities. “It provides a pathway for urban students who may not have had opportunities to engage with the rural sector,” B+LNZ added.