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Jarred Mair, MPI's director of sector policy.
The author of the MPI Situation and Outlook report says that while some of it could be construed as less than satisfactory, the primary industries overall have a "phenomenal opportunity".
Jarred Mair, MPI's director of sector policy, sees truly exciting opportunities in areas where New Zealand has not yet been -- notably high-value, processed products in which NZ will have a competitive advantage.
He believes the opportunities for NZ products in the hospitality sector are "phenomenal".
Mair says while it's tempting to look at dairy exports with nostalgia for the 2014 record result, it's important to realise that was an exception.
"Now we are [anticipating] a return to those levels through this forecast period, which at 34% is a pretty big gain over four years. Much of this will be value rather than volume, which is exciting."
Mair says horticulture has been a standout sector for the last three years.
"It shows the power of NZ primary industry, in the sense that it's diversified; so though we have had problems with one sector, another has stepped up."
Another strength emerging is farmers' growing ability to better manage adverse events, helped by technology.
"The strength of NZ's primary sector is that, having been in a market-led economy for so long, we know how to adapt and respond to challenges at the macro level," Mair says.
"A great example: the slowdown in China in dairy; we were able to quickly redistribute that product around the world and still sell it. Yes, there was a drop in price, but we were able to sell it."
Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith, says the growth in the kiwifruit sector is a massive bounce back.
Horticulture Minister Nicola Grigg says she takes her hat off to all NZ growers for the hard yards they have put in over the last few years which have resulted in horticulture exports expected to reach the milestone of $8 billion this year.
The first phase of a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) investigation into allegations of mistreatment of sheep connected to shearing practices has been completed.
"We at Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and you at Dairy News said over six months ago that the dairy industry would bounce back, and it has done so with interest.”
Now is not the time to stop incorporating plantain into dairy pasture systems to reduce nitrogen (N) loss, says Agricom Australasia brand manager Mark Brown.
Building on the success of last year's events, the opportunity to attend People Expos is back for 2025, offering farmers the chance to be inspired and gain more tips and insights for their toolkits to support their people on farm.
Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.
Precision application of nitrogen can improve yields, but the costs of testing currently outweigh improved returns, according to new research from Plant and Food Research, MPI and Ravensdown.
Professionals in South Waikato are succeeding in governance, thanks to a governance mentoring programme for South Waikato.
Timpack, one of New Zealand's largest wooden pallet and bin manufacturers, has been rewarded an exclusive contract to supply Fonterra.
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