Chief Scientist recognised in New Year Honours list

Plant & Food Research Chief Scientist, Dr Ian Ferguson, was among the deserving New Zealanders recognised in the 2010 New Years Honours list, being appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to horticultural science.

“Dr Ferguson’s 40 year career has been vital to the success of the industry , ” says Plant & Food Research CEO, Peter Landon-Lane. “His research and influence encompasses all aspects of New Zealand’s $5 billion horticultural industry, and he has been involved in creating solutions for some of the country’s most important horticultural issues . His international reputation affords Plant & Food Research, and New Zealand, a valuable position on the global stage. We congratulate him on this honour. ”

Dr Ferguson’s background lies in postharvest science, an area where Plant & Food Research is now regarded as one of the largest and most influential research groups in the world, thanks largely to his passion and enthusiasm in the area. As Chief Scientist throughout the merger to form Plant & Food Research, Dr Ferguson was also instrumental in aligning the scientific programmes of the two organisations to create the structure of the new company.