increase font size
Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce.
New Zealand agritech exports earned their producers $1.2 billion in 2013. $1 billion had long been the annual export target of the sector.
Research completed last September for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise shows New Zealand as a leading supplier of products, equipment and services for farming. The research has better defined the sector’s offerings and determined its value to the national economy and its comparative strength in an international context
Products include animal and seed genetics, fertiliser and agri-chemicals, fencing supplies, farm tools, machinery and systems, and pumping and irrigation.
Animal health products, medicines and preventative treatments were the largest export earners ($311m), followed by fencing supplies and equipment, and machinery and systems (each $307m).
NZTE says demand is growing for NZ agritech products. Australia and the US are the largest buyers of our products. And exports to Canada, China, South Korea and Saudi Arabia are increasing.
The research shows agritech R&D is increasing, NZTE says. “The research also compares New Zealand’s agritech production with other similar sized agricultural nations including Israel and Ireland. It found that New Zealand’s agritech sector is well positioned to take advantage of increasing global demand for meat and dairy.”
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says the removal of the dairy quota system is opening up opportunities in Europe and the free trade deal with China, along with China’s substantial demand for meat and dairy products, is providing local agritech companies with opportunities.
“New Zealand is one of the world’s most efficient primary producers, and this report shows our expertise and technology in this area is in growing demand around the world.”
Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce notes that New Zealand has historically underperformed in agritech exports compared with other advanced agricultural nations.
“However our exports are now growing more quickly than our competitors’, and opportunities for more growth exist in a wide range of markets. Europe, China and South America stand out as the biggest areas of potential growth.”
The research was completed in September 2014 by Coriolis.
Top earners
• Animal health – $311m
• Fencing supplies and equipments – $307m
• Machinery and systems – $307m
• Animal genetics – $48m
• Plant genetics – $233m
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says a new report projects strong export growth for New Zealand's horticulture sector highlights the industry's increasing contribution to the national economy.
Global trade wars and uncertain tariff regimes could play into the hands of many New Zealand exporters, according to Gareth Coleman ANZ’s Head of Trade & Supply Chain.
OPINION: When we talk about the future of farming, we often focus on the tools - automation, sensors, satellite data, digital models. But we rarely talk about the people shaping that future. And more importantly, who might be missing from the room.
A new Indonesian school milk programme is expected to significantly increase the country's total dairy consumption, creating opportunities for New Zealand and other global dairy players.
Horticultural prices are set to remain elevated this year, reflecting the balance between demand in key export markets and an increase in supply.
Rangitikei Rivers Catchment Collective (RRCC) chairperson Roger Dalrymple says farmers in his region are taking a national lead in water quality awareness and monitoring.
One young couple is proving farm ownership is still within reach for young Kiwis.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…
