Why our future depends on taking biosecurity seriously
OPINION: When it comes to biosecurity, we often hear about the end of a response, but it’s the beginning that helps determine our success.
For the 15th year running, agribusiness leaders continue to view world-class biosecurity as the cornerstone of New Zealand’s agrifood reputation, particularly considering the incursions experienced in the last 12 months.
The leaders want ongoing investment and innovation in biosecurity systems to protect the sector’s long-term viability.
Now in its 16th year, the Agribusiness Agenda, titled ‘Turning talk into tasks’, draws on insights from almost 200 industry leaders, including farmers, growers, innovators, sustainability professionals, and emerging voices. It lists the top 10 priorities for leaders.
Ian Proudfoot, KPMG global head of agribusiness, says this year’s report is intended to be a provocation to the food and fibre sector around imagining what its potential could be in the future.
“We’re asking leaders to be brave, to be curious, and to act.
“The challenges we face are complex, but complex challenges unlock significant opportunities. If we lean in together, we can shape a future that’s not just resilient but thriving.”
Climate resilience is back in focus and was the second top priority. After slipping in priority last year, the survey priority related to climate resilience has seen its score increase by over 40% this year.
Proudfoot says leaders are increasingly aware that climate volatility is not a future risk, it’s a present reality.
"There is a clear message that now is not the time to pull back on our climate commitments as they are important to our most important customers around the world. However, the Agenda notes that difficult conversations around managed retreat and farm system transitions remain under-addressed.”
People and workforce is third and feature a range of people related topics - immigration settings, migrant worker protections and sector career opportunities - which has not been the case in recent years.
Proudfoot says the report highlights the urgent need to attract, retain, and support talent across the value chain, from on-farm roles to high-tech innovation, with a key focus on ensuring that we retain a fit for purpose on the job training system.
Trade and supply chain resilience are critical for leaders.
With global markets in flux, leaders are prioritising the signing of highquality trade agreements and the development of resilient, diversified supply chains. The report notes growing interest in ASEAN and India, alongside a need to better align product offerings with evolving consumer expectations.
Innovation is essential— but adoption is lagging, the report says.
While AI, biotechnology, and digital tools are seen as vital to future competitiveness, adoption remains patchy. Leaders cite poor data quality, integration challenges of technologies into farming systems, and unclear ROI as key barriers.
The report calls for a national food and fibre data exchange to unlock value and accelerate innovation.
Food security, sustainability, rising costs and Maori agribusiness round up the top priorities.
Proudfoot says the Agenda is a call to action.
“We’re at a crossroads; doing what we’ve always done is no longer enough. The future belongs to those who ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and act with purpose. Curiosity isn’t just a mindset—it’s a leadership imperative for the decades ahead,” says Proudfoot.
