Primary production is at the foundation of our national economy. Seventy percent of New Zealand’s merchandise export revenue is from the primary sector – and that number is growing. Land-based sectors employ around 20% of the New Zealand workforce. 

However, of the 22,500 graduates each year from the tertiary education system in New Zealand, only 300 have degrees in agriculture, horticulture and dedicated environmental management – that’s just over 1%. This means demand for those graduates well exceeds supply. Feedback from the industry is overwhelming: “We need more graduates”. 

Study in agriculture and horticulture covers a wide range of disciplines including biology, chemistry, plant science, animal science and soil science, but can also incorporate management, economics and food science, enabling you to cultivate a rewarding career based on your strengths and areas of interest. Career opportunities are wide-ranging, from farm and horticultural consultancy, farm management and property management, through to rural banking and valuation, agribusiness, and the fertiliser, seed and livestock industries. 

Studying at Lincoln University means you will be learning from some of the very best researchers and lecturers in this field and accessing the most up-to-date industry knowledge. We use real-world examples and practical experiences to equip our graduates with the knowledge, skills and values to immediately make a difference in jobs across all areas of agricultural and horticultural production and related industries. Students also develop transferrable skills during their qualification, including time management, and communication and IT skills, fundamental in any workplace.