Episode 79 – Building trust in local grains

In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Ivan Lawrie, General Manager at the Foundation for Arable Research, about the New Zealand Grown Grains initiative. Ivan explains how growers, millers, and bakers are collaborating to create a traceable, certifiable brand, strengthen the domestic wheat industry, and open opportunities in premium markets, while sharing lessons on value chains and building a resilient local food sector.

Guest:

• Ivan Lawrie, General Manager Business Operations, Foundation for Arable Research (FAR)

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide

Ivan Lawrie is helping shape how New Zealand’s arable producers create and capture value through the New Zealand Grown Grains initiative. He focuses on building a traceable, certifiable brand that connects growers, millers, bakers and consumers, strengthening the domestic wheat industry and creating opportunities in premium markets.

The initiative brings together careful planning, collaboration and innovation, ensuring every stage, from farm to final product, is auditable, trustworthy and high quality. By uniting growers, processors and retailers, Lawrie is helping the sector build consumer confidence in locally grown grains, raise awareness of New Zealand production, and create resilience in an industry challenged by low volumes and global market pressures. His work demonstrates how transparency, strong leadership and a clear vision can deliver long-term value and sustainability across the food system.

Read the article from the CountryWide Spring issue here: https://country-wide.co.nz/new-logo-highlights-new-zealand-grown-grains/