Primary exports hit new high

The 12% increase on last years $53.3 billion is being hailed by the Director General of MPI Ray Smith as a ‘blockbuster year’. He says there is a good chance that by 2029, the figure will be close to $66 billion.

News of this upsurge in export returns is contained in MPI’s Situation and Outlook Report on Primary Industries launched today at Fieldays by the Minister for Agriculture, Todd McClay.

This massive turnaround is due in large part to the fortunes of the dairy industry with exports for that sector this year expected to be just on $27 billion up 16% on last years $23.3 billion. Horticulture and especially kiwifruit is also a big mover in export returns. Export returns for horticulture are predicted to be up by 19% to $8.4 billion with  kiwifruit exports accounting for nearly half this total. Some good news for sheep and beef and wool farmers  as well with that sector hitting $12.3 billion – just on a million more than last year.

Ray Smith says the growth is right across the board in the primary sector  with some areas that have suffered in the past such as avocados, doing well. He says all primary producers along with processing companies and those taking our products to market around the world should feel very proud of their efforts.

“I think the world is a bit short of protein  and people are recognising the value of NZ products  because they are of consistently high quality, safe and food is incredibly nutritious and tastes great.  We have been through a tough period, but we are now on the way up and despite some uncertainty out there we are well positioned for the future,” he says.

Ray Smith says farmers, growers, processors and sales and marketing teams should feel proud of what has been achieved though what has been some challenging times.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the figures reflect the hard work and resilience of the hard working men and women of provincial New Zealand. He says strong global demand and healthy prices across key markets are positioning our high-quality, safe and sustainable food and fibre exports for record growth.

Todd McClay says a priority for the government is to open new marketsr Kiwi exporters, and the new Investment Boost tax incentive will encourage businesses to invest, be more competitive, grow the economy, and lift wages.

“When rural New Zealand does well, the whole country benefits,” he says.