Export prices set to remain elevated
Horticultural prices are set to remain elevated this year, reflecting the balance between demand in key export markets and an increase in supply.
The Government has launched a plan aiming to boost primary sector export earnings by $44 billion over the next decade.
The Fit for a Better World plan launched today centres on three themes:
• Productivity: adding an additional $44 billion to export earnings over the next decade through a focus on value, rather than volume.
• Sustainability: improving freshwater and reducing biogenic methane emissions to 10% below 2017 levels by 2010 and 24-47% below by 2050.
• Inclusiveness: employing 10,000 more New Zealanders in the primary sector workforce over the next four years and 10% more New Zealanders in the food and fibre sector by 2030.
“The Fit for a Better World Roadmap spells out practical ways for the sector to fetch more value, create more jobs and bolster our green reputation in a global pandemic environment to ensure New Zealand builds back better, together,” said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said the sector’s ability to record 4.5% growth in the past year, with forecast export growth of $48 billion despite COVID-19, highlighted demand for Kiwi products.
However, O’Connor said the industry can’t continue to rely on volume growth to generate greater returns.
“We need to create new billion-dollar, category-leading products services for consumers here and overseas, while respecting Te Taiao – the natural world.
“Our Fit for a Better World Roadmap builds on the work both primary industries and the Government have already started and brings together actions, investment, and resources that will work in concert to accelerate the transformation we need.”
The 2025 game bird season is underway with Hawke’s Bay and Southland reporting the ideal weather conditions for hunters – rain and wind.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr believes the outlook for the dairy sector remains strong.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.
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