Plant science student awarded for fresh perspective on NZ’s horticulture industry

Xinyu is a Bachelor of Science student majoring in plant science who was recently named one of two recipients of the PGG Wrightson 175th Year Scholarship. The scholarship recognises students with fresh perspectives on the future of Aotearoa New Zealand’s agricultural and horticultural industries.

Xinyu’s winning submission drew on her Chinese heritage and her grandparents’ experience as small-scale farmers.

Her grandparents farm a small plot of land in China, where farming provides a modest income. Their livelihoods depend on experience and hard work, but Xinyu saw that producing a high-quality crop does not necessarily mean receiving a good return.

“That experience taught me that producing something well and selling it successfully are not the same thing,” she says.

It became the starting point for her scholarship submission, which explored how New Zealand could create greater value for farmers and growers by developing a deeper understanding of overseas consumers.

Xinyu argues that market knowledge should go beyond understanding what consumers will buy. It should also help shape what New Zealand grows and breeds.

Her interest in plant breeding makes that connection particularly relevant to her own career ambitions.

“I’d love to work in plant breeding or agricultural research. I’d like to combine plant science with molecular cell biology and use my knowledge from both fields to help develop new crop varieties.”

The possibilities are what excite her most about plant science.

“I enjoy learning about how plants live and grow, and how much they can teach us about nature and the relationship between plants and people,” she says.

She is especially interested in how scientific understanding can translate into improvements in the food people grow and eat, from flavour and nutritional value to developing varieties that are more resilient to disease.

Her interest in plant breeding was taking shape before she arrived at Massey.

“Before starting at Massey, I had this idea of breeding a blueberry as big as a tomato,” she says.

Studying at Massey has strengthened that ambition.

Xinyu has particularly enjoyed the practical side of her degree, including laboratory classes, field trips and working as a research support assistant. Those experiences have helped her connect what she learns in lectures with real-world research and become more confident in her skills.

Her studies have also provided her with opportunities to see the real challenges facing growers, and how important it is to connect scientific research to what happens on the farm.

Work as a research support assistant on the Whenua Haumanu programme has provided Xinyu with opportunities to gain experience in soil sampling, root processing and data collection. This experience has reinforced her belief that innovation needs to work in real growing conditions, rather than remaining in the laboratory.

That philosophy is also reflected in her scholarship submission.

Xinyu believes New Zealand has an opportunity to build on its reputation for natural environments, food safety and reliable quality by understanding the different needs of consumers in overseas markets.

China, in particular, provided a perspective she could draw on from personal experience. She noted that different consumers may value New Zealand products for different reasons. For example, parents may place particular value on nutrition and dependable quality, while gift buyers may be more interested in presentation, appearance and origin.

Xinyu says understanding those differences could ultimately help growers, exporters and breeders work towards products that deliver value throughout the supply chain.

She cites the development of New Zealand’s blueberry industry as one example of where consumer preferences could inform breeding. Traits such as fruit size, sweetness, firmness and aroma may be attractive to consumers, but successful varieties also need to perform well for growers and withstand the demands of long-distance transport.

Her vision is to breed a better plant but also bring together science, growers, consumers and markets.

She believes organisations across the primary sector can help strengthen those connections by bringing producers, breeders, researchers, post-harvest specialists, exporters and in-market teams together.

“It’s about understanding its customers, breeding for genuine demand and ensuring that growers share in the value created,” she wrote.

Receiving the PGG Wrightson scholarship has provided both practical support and encouragement as she works towards her future. She plans to use the $2,000 scholarship towards her tuition fees next semester.

“Receiving the scholarship has also given me encouragement and confidence as I think about my future in plant science,” she says.

But for now, Xinyu is focused on finishing her degree and continuing to build the scientific and practical skills she will need for a career in plant breeding.

Xinyu's winning submissions can be read in full online.