Achievement

In the summer of 2010, trainee Meredith Niles interned with AgResearch, a research institution funded jointly by industry and the New Zealand government.

Niles' internship focused on mitigation for nitrification inhibitors in cattle and sheep ranching and examining the impact of climate change legislation on the agricultural sector. Niles interviewed representatives of the agriculture industry about the impact of this legislation for various agricultural stakeholders, including some of the largest corporations in New Zealand. Her work incorporated business considerations, economics, and environmental regulations from a business perspective.

Niles presented her preliminary results to the AgResearch staff prior and drafted a policy brief for AgResearch, the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the New Zealand Ministry of Environment. She will return to New Zealand in summer 2011 (with funding from AgResearch and the New Zealand government) to extend her research.