June 2025
The dynamic relationship between plants and grazing animals continues to inspire Gemma Box, a passionate plant breeder who sees huge potential in shaping the future of New Zealand agriculture.
Growing up on a farm west of Christchurch, Gemma developed an early connection with rural life and the importance of its contribution to the New Zealand economy.
She became interested in scientific research and development after completing a summer research programme co-founded between PGG Wrightson Seeds and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and continued to build on that momentum by returning as a summer intern throughout her university studies.
It is a pathway she strongly recommends for anyone interested in a career in research and development, highlighting the invaluable hands-on experience and industry insights it provides.
Her academic journey culminated in a PhD in animal science at Lincoln University, where she investigated photosensitivity in lambs grazing forage brassica over summer – further fuelling her passion for the complex and fascinating relationship between plants and animals.
She is now a key member of the PGG Wrightson Seeds breeding team as the driving force behind the company’s innovative plantain and chicory breeding programmes.
Her work is not only rooted in performance traits like yield and persistence, but also in the broader impact of forage crops on environmental and farming sustainability.
“What excited me most is the opportunity to breed cultivars that are not just good for today, but transformative for tomorrow,” Gemma says.
“With plantain, for example, we are exploring its potential in reducing nitrate leaching and contributing to lower methane emissions. That kind of potential impact is incredibly motivating.”
For Gemma, the long timelines of plant breeding – often more than a decade to bring a new cultivar to market – only add to the challenge and sense of purpose. It is the strategic foresight and long-term thinking that she finds most inspiring.
“We’re not just breeding for what farmers need now, we’re anticipating challenges and opportunities 10-15 years down the track. That’s a powerful reason to keep pushing the boundaries and staying future focused”.
Collaboration is at the heart of her work. Regular discussions with others in her team, colleagues across PGG Wrightson Seeds, and scientists from government and research institutions help shape the company’s plant breeding strategy and ensure it stays aligned with both industry needs and emerging science.
Gemma sees plant breeding as a long-term investment, where thousands of ideas and genetic lines are considered, refined, and often held in reserve until the right moment emerges.
“Some material remains within the programme for years, even decades, until a change in climate, regulation, or farming practice makes it suddenly relevant. That’s the beauty of this work – it is full of hidden potential.”
The process is like a pipeline with a wide entry point for novel ideas and germplasm that gradually narrows over years of rigorous testing to a handful of high-performing cultivars ready for commercial release.
Throughout her career, Gemma has valued the strong support of mentors and colleagues, which she credits as vital to her development as both a plant breeder and team leader.
She actively seeks out feedback and enjoys sparring session with mentors, using these collaborative exchanges to challenge her thinking and refine new ideas. As a mother of three young children, and recently returning to work after maternity leave, she is equally grateful for the understanding and guidance around achieving a healthy work-life balance.
She is passionate about role modelling science as more than a career, but a lifelong pursuit driven by curiosity, resilience, and purpose.
With her deep passion for agriculture, commitment to innovation, and an unwavering belief in the potential of forage crops to meet New Zealand’s future farming challenges, Gemma is energised by what lies ahead.
“We have a real opportunity to make a difference,” she says.
“Being part of that journey – and knowing our work today will help shape the sustainability and productivity of future farming – is what drives me every single day.”
For anyone interested in plant breeding, visit pbra.org.nz for details of the upcoming Plant Breeder Forum on August 7, 2025.