Outgoing chief executive of the state owned farming enterprise, Landcorp, says it could play a greater role in industry good functions such as training and technology transfer.
But that would require the agreement of Landcorp's sole shareholder, the Government.
Chris Kelly leaves this month after 12 years as CEO of the country's biggest farming enterprise, running 137 dairy, sheep and beef and deer farms spread from Northland to Southland.
He says under the SOE Act, Landcorp is required to operate profitably.
Mr Kelly says any function as a role model for New Zealand agriculture has to fit in with that.
He says Landcorp also has an 'industry' role which involves things like staff training and showcasing its farms during fieldays.
"I think if Landcorp can pass on some of its successes and help lift farming generally in New Zealand that will do a lot for the country itself ,so I see we do have a bit of an industry role as well, but it is a bit of a dichotomy with the SOE Act."
Chris Kelly replacement as chief executive is Steven Carden.
