Government taps Nathan Guy as Agricultural Trade Envoy

Guy told Rural News that his first task is to listen to what exporters have to say and get a full appreciation of their needs.

He says while he has a good understanding of the major exporters such as those involved in meat, dairy and the big horticulture crops, he wants to connect with new and smaller exporters as well.

Guy says he'll get briefings from MFAT and other agencies in the coming weeks and from there will work out a travel plan. He says being a former minister means he still has good international connections.

"My ministerial background will certainly help open some doors and ultimately that should help me get pretty good access when required.

"I led a trade delegation last year and went on two very successful missions to India and also to China with the Prime Minister, so I know how it all works and I know what diplomacy means," he says.

Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says Guy's background promoting NZ's producers, both as a Minister and as a farmer, means that he is uniquely well placed to tell the story of our primary production sector to the world.

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The position reports directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, but Guy will obviously work closely with Minister McClay and other government agencies such as MPI.

McClay says the position supports key government objectives, including ensuring that our trading partners understand our approach to agriculture and primary production.

"The role also focuses on raising the performance of NZ's agricultural and primary sector exports to the Government's goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years. Nathan Guy's immediate priorities will be to advocate for New Zealand's primary production interests from the perspective of a practising farmer," he says.

McClay says he's asked Guy to show particular focus on India and GCC markets, to leverage the opportunities that trade agreements with these countries would present.

Guy adds that an important part of his role is to connect back to farmers and growers and share insights from his overseas connections.