Election 2026: How Parties Would Lift the Arable Sector
As part of its Election 2026 coverage, Rural News asked political parties how they would help pull the arable sector out of the doldrums. Here's what they said:
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says that agriculture is at the heart of both countries' economies.
" We have similar farming systems, similar geographies, and both advocate for open, rules-based trade," McClay says.
"The new Strategic Agricultural Arrangement 2026 – 2030 signals our strong commitment to working together and strengthening our agricultural relationship," he adds.
Key features of the deal include encouraging regional and global collaboration and developing people.
"We will work together to exchange expertise, promote and advance sustainable agricultural development, undertake important research and innovation, and build climate resilience," McClay says.
Last year New Zealand and Chile marked 80 years of diplomatic relations, and two-way trade reached $342.94 million in the year ending September 2025.
“The new arrangement will enable New Zealand and Chile to seize agricultural opportunities, tackle shared challenges, and ultimately achieve more together,” McClay says.
“This Government is laser-focused on building the future, boosting returns for farmers, growers, producers and exporters, growing the economy and driving prosperity for New Zealanders.”
The arrangement was signed by McClay and Chile’s Minister of Agriculture Dr. Ignacia Fernández.
