Episode 80 – Knowledge Partners: IRP & CountryWide

CountryWide has partnered with the Institute of Rural Professionals to strengthen support, knowledge-sharing, and innovation across the agricultural sector.

In this episode, Sarah speaks with Jo Finer, CEO of the newly renamed Institute of Rural Professionals (IRP) (formerly NZIPIM) about CountryWide’s new strategic partnership with the organisation. They discuss the role of rural professionals, the institute’s history and future direction, and how collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and digital innovation will strengthen support for farmers and the wider agricultural sector.

Guest:

• Jo Finer, CEO, Institute of Rural Professionals (IRP)

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide

Jo Finer is helping strengthen the role rural professionals play in supporting New Zealand farmers at the Institute of Rural Professionals (IRP). She focuses on building capability, collaboration and professional excellence across advisers, consultants and service providers, ensuring farmers receive the most relevant and trusted guidance.

The new strategic partnership between IRP & CountryWide brings together knowledge-sharing through their digital transformation project in 2026 where industry expertise and a strong network between the two will connect farmers, advisers and thought leaders. 

By uniting professional bodies with independent journalism, this will help the sector embrace disruption into new opportunities and build resilience into the future.

Find out more about IRP here: https://www.irpnz.co.nz/

Get in contact with Charlotte to find out more about a membership to CountryWide:

Email: subs@countrywidemedia.co.nz

Phone number: 03 307 0256 (Please note our office hours are between 10am – 2pm)