Former Lincoln Agritech CEO Peter Barrowclough has been elected as one of nine new Companions of Royal Society Te Apārangi.

Companions (CRSNZ) are recognised for outstanding leadership or eminent contributions to promoting and advancing science, technology or the humanities in New Zealand. They must also be held in esteem by and have broad support within the communities relevant to their field.

Peter was nominated and elected for fostering collaboration and commercialisation within New Zealand’s agricultural technology sector.

Peter was Chief Executive of Lincoln Agritech from 2009 to 2023. During that time the company grew from 35 to 85 staff and turnover increased from $5.5 million to $15 million.

Peter drove innovation in precision agriculture, environmental sensing, irrigation efficiency, artificial intelligence, groundwater research, new materials and robotics, addressing critical national issues such as adding value to primary sector products, climate change and water quality. He oversaw commercialisation of multiple technologies during his time at Lincoln Agritech and, before that, at Crop and Food Research.

He also served as founding Chair of the Precision Agriculture Association (later merging into Agritech NZ), a board member of FoodSouth, and on the executive committee of the Independent Research Association of New Zealand. He was also Deputy Chair of the Canterbury Development Corporation.

One of the most satisfying aspects of Peter’s career was the opportunity to work alongside so many brilliant people, he says.

“I’ve been fortunate to spend time with them getting to know fields of endeavour that many people don’t even know exist.  I’ve always appreciated the patience of researchers in helping me understand the broader implications of their work.”

He says a major part of his role has been ensuring that great science is not only understood, but also effectively applied.

“I’ve particularly enjoyed connecting scientists with the business world and seeing both sides benefit. Above all, I want to acknowledge and thank the many talented people I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years”.

You can find a full list of the new Companions, with their biographies, on Royal Society Te Apārangi’s website.