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Danone will fund three annual scholarships for Telford students in perpetuity, targeting agriculture, animal health, farm systems and equine programmes.
The global food company's partnership with Southern Institute of Technology marks a significant investment in Southland's agricultural education sector. Three scholarships — covering academic excellence, practical skills and financial hardship — will launch this year for current Telford students.
"Danone is committed to supporting farmers and advancing sustainable agriculture," Beverly Cobos, Danone's Balclutha Plant Manager said. "By partnering with SIT Telford, we want to help the next generation of skilled graduates understand the importance of animal health, farm system optimisation, and responsible land management. These scholarships are key to ensuring a workforce with passionate people who can help drive meaningful and sustainable change across the sector."
The timing matters. New Zealand's primary sector faces mounting pressure to balance productivity with environmental responsibility — exactly the challenges Telford's hands-on programmes address.
Telford already operates under SIT's Zero Fees Scheme, but additional study costs remain a barrier for many students. The Danone scholarships will cover those gaps while connecting recipients to industry networks and career pathways within major agricultural companies.
"We are delighted to partner with Danone on this important initiative," said Allan Roxburgh, Telford Campus Manager. "These scholarships not only support our students financially but also signal confidence in the quality of education delivered at Telford. Together, we are nurturing capability across agriculture, animal health, farm systems, and equine sectors — all essential to the future of our primary industries."
Danone's choice of partner reflects well on Telford's reputation. The campus has built its standing through practical, industry-focused training that produces work-ready graduates. Students learn on working farms and facilities, gaining competencies that translate directly to employment.
The scholarship structure targets different student needs strategically. Academic scholarships reward high achievement, practical scholarships recognise hands-on excellence, and hardship scholarships remove financial barriers for talented students who might otherwise miss opportunities.
Hamish Small, Head of Faculty, said the partnership emphasised how vocational training and industry can work together to ensure those learners who are focussed on the primary industry profession can get past possible barriers to meet their career aspirations. "Telford cannot thank Danone enough for their commitment and ongoing support to land-based education."
Applications opened this week for current students across all Telford programmes. The deadline hits the first week of June, with interviews following immediately after. Three students will receive scholarships this year — the first cohort in what Danone promises will be ongoing annual support.
For a company that depends on sustainable dairy production, investing in agricultural education makes commercial sense. But the perpetual commitment suggests Danone sees Telford as a long-term strategic partner in developing the workforce New Zealand's primary industries need.