Dr Fraser Broom has joined BRI as Science Strategy Manager

After completing a horticultural science degree at Massey University, he worked for several years as a horticultural consultant for NZ’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, before gaining a PhD. investigating bitter pit, a physiological disorder of apples. Five years as a plant physiologist and breeder followed, working with apples, kiwifruit, berries, and Antarctic lichens and mosses. In 2000, Fraser began work with the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, the Government’s science funding agency. He had a succession of investment management and strategy roles, becoming Director for primary sector research. In that role, Fraser’s team was responsible for investment strategy and investment management across the land and water based primary sectors.

In 2011, Fraser left the public service and took up a role as manager of ANZCO Foods’ Primary Growth Partnership programme. This role brought together the Crown and one of NZ’s largest exporters in a commercial programme focused on added-value meat products. The programme, known as FoodPlus was successfully concluded in late 2019. Following this Fraser started a contracting and consulting business, focusing on the interface between science and commerce in the primary sectors. He is excited to be working with BRI. “I am passionate about science that delivers outcomes to New Zealand’s primary industries, and it is exciting to be a part of building a new organisation to benefit New Zealand’s winegrowers.”