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FEDERATED FARMERS is asking whoever forms the next government for an additional $600 million investment into science research and innovation over the next three years.
The request was made at the launch of the Federation's 2014 general election manifesto.
"It is appropriate that we have launched our Manifesto, covering the 2014-17 parliamentary term, at Canterbury's Lincoln University; one of New Zealand's two land-based universities we have," says Dr William Rolleston, Federated Farmers President.
"In 2008, New Zealand's primary industries share of merchandise exports was 65%. Last year it had grown to 73%. In the same time period pastoral agriculture, which we represent, has seen its share of exports grow from 40% to 45%.
"This is why we call on the next government to increase its investment in New Zealand science by $600 million over the next three years.
"We are looking for a major investment in our collective future. It is about embracing New Zealand's future as a primary superpower. If you seeking an economic strategy then New Zealand leadership in the biggest industry on earth provides it.
"The primary industries are what we are innately good at. They represent our defining point in the world-economy. They are what we do but we are only scratching the surface of its true potential.
"Our vision is about supercharging all the support and service industries so that New Zealand takes its place as the leading country in global farming.
"There is vast scope for adding value to our exports and to make New Zealand a richer and more prosperous country.
"This demands a literate, numerate and worldly workforce completely at ease working in a connected and internationalised economy.
"If we are to deliver this world-class economy then it starts with the technologies and applications to farm better. It starts with our crops, feed and animals so that we become more than globally competitive. We truly become a global leader.
"This is what our Manifesto is about because it is about being more than we are today.
"Our Manifesto is about building a sustainable farm system giving us the collective means to go forward as a nation," Rolleston says.
Federated Farmers says new legislation replacing the Resource Management Act will cut red tape, unlock investment and help grow New Zealand's export-led economy, after the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill passed their third reading in Parliament yesterday.
Leading figures from the major political parties will be questioned on their primary sector policies at the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton, on 30 September.
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Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers arable chair, Bevan Lill, said Beef + Lamb NZ data indicated that for the last six years, the average arable return on investment was about 0.8% while inflation ran about 4% - so the average arable farm was going backwards at about 3% a year.
For the first time in a quarter of a century, Federated Farmers has something positive to say about the Labour Party’s climate change policy leading into a general election.
LIC shareholders have elected a new North Island representative to the co-operative's Board, along with five representatives to its Shareholder Reference Group (SRG), following the company's Annual Meeting held in Invercargill.
Farmers across parts of Southland and South Otago are continuing to deal with difficult conditions after a prolonged run of wet weather, with pressure building around feed supply, stock management, pasture damage, farm infrastructure and everyday workloads.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.
For Canterbury dairy farmers Sian Meijer and Rick Wobben, wearable technology has become one of their most valuable on-farm tools - helping manage 1850 cows across an expansive, high-performing dairy operation while improving efficiency, mating outcomes and day-to-day decision making.
Fonterra has unveiled its annual results for the 2026 financial year, posting $27 billion in revenue and close to $20 billion returned to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders.
The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.
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