Editorial: Agri's mojo is back
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.
NZ’s primary sector export revenue is projected to hit a record $50.8 billion in the year to June 2022, according to latest MPI projections.
MPI’s Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) forecasts the country’s annual food and fibre export revenue will crack the $50 billion mark for the first time next year – an increase of 6% over 2021’s earnings.
This revenue will be crucial in helping pay off the huge debts the country has incurred as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has hit many parts of the NZ economy.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says the outcome of the SOPI revenue projections is a testament to the primary sector’s huge efforts to keep the wheels of our national and local economies turning. He says it’s important to acknowledge the hard work of rural New Zealand and to celebrate the performance and successes in the latest SOPI.
“High demand for our dairy products combined with strong export prices are expected to deliver an estimated 10 percent increase in dairy export revenue to $20.9 billion,” O’Connor says. “Meat export revenue is forecast to increase by 6% to $11.1 billion, driven by recovering export prices and demand for our meat products.”
Horticulture export revenue is also expected to increase as well.
“Consumers can’t get enough of our fresh fruit and wine with demand remaining strong. This is driving an expected increase in export revenue of 5% to $6.9 billion,” O’Connor adds.
Forestry exports are expected to reach $6.7 billion in the year to 30 June 2022, an increase of 3% on the current year.
Meanwhile, the country’s seafood exports are recovering from the challenges posed by COVID-19, such as the disruption to food service. Seafood export revenue is forecast to rise 4% to $1.9 billion in the year to 30 June 2022, as countries open up and food service resumes.
O’Connor believes new opportunities for New Zealand primary exports have potential to see even greater returns.
“Reaching the agreement in principle for the New Zealand – United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement in October will enable our exporters to compete on a level playing field in the UK market.”
He says the NZ primary sector was meeting strong demand as consumers around the world increasingly looked to healthier food and natural fibres with strong environmental credentials.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
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