Ray Smith: Dairy still has growth potential despite flat export outlook
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.
This is up 3% on last year’s record of $60.3 billion.
Agricultural Minister Todd McClay says this is an outstanding result considering it’s being such a tough year with weather impacting locally and global conditions continuing to be as challenging as ever.
The key growth movements come in the following areas
- Meat and wool export revenue lifting 7 per cent to $13.2 billion
- Horticulture export revenue lifting 5 per cent to $9.2 billion
- Forestry export revenue lifting 2 per cent to $6.3 billion
- Dairy export revenue lifting 1 per cent to $27.4 billion
McClay says the sector is well positioned to capitalise on robust demand and strong prices, supported by good growing conditions and higher production in most areas.
“Farmer confidence is back up, farm profitability is improving for many producers, and New Zealand is turning the corner out of recession thanks to our export-led economic recovery. We’re also taking steps to boost productive and sustainable growth through more flexible land use,” he says.
The news is particularly good for sheep and beef farmers and the kiwifruit sector.
But while there is delight at the increase, there is a caution that there is no absolutely certainty anymore – especially in the geopolitical space. One commentator summed it up by saying “the situation is stable, but still uncertain”.
