increase font size
NZ's primary industry export revenue is forecast to reach $43.8 billion for the year to June 2019.
New Zealand’s primary industry export revenue is forecast to reach $43.8 billion for the year to June 2019, an increase of 2.5% from 2018.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Situation and Outlook report for September 2018, released today, gives an encouraging assessment of the major primary sectors which continue to grow, says Emma Taylor, director of agriculture, marine & plant policy.
“It’s a promising outlook and builds on the strong growth seen in 2018, when export revenue increased 11.8%. In 2018, dairy prices recovered from the lows of 2015 and 2016, high red meat prices boosted meat and wool revenue, and strong demand for logs in China led to record export prices and volume.
“Horticulture and dairy are the driving forces behind the increase forecast for 2019. Horticulture exports are forecast to rise 13.1% to $6.1 billion for the year ending June 2019. Improved growing conditions for the most recent harvest has led to higher yields for kiwifruit, and most other horticultural products.
“Dairy exports are forecast to rise 2.1% to $17.0 billion for the year ending June 2019, consolidating gains made in the last two years. With farm production growth likely to be relatively flat in coming years, revenue growth is expected to be driven by moves towards higher value products such as cheese and infant formula.
“Forestry exports are expected to remain stable at $6.4 billion for 2019. Log prices are expected to remain near record levels as Chinese construction activity is forecast to remain strong.
“After an impressive gain in meat and wool exports in 2018, exports are forecast to decrease by 1.3% to $9.4 billion in 2019. Despite forecast increases in farm gate prices for lamb and venison, decreasing production volumes are forecast to lead to lower export revenue overall.
“Overall, the latest outlook for our primary industries gives plenty of positives as we work to sustainably reposition primary industries up the value chain and deepen sector partnerships.”
For more information see: www.mpi.govt.nz/EIU
Winter grazing is looming again and the Ministry for Primary Industries says it's going to increase proactive farm visits and provide practical advice for farmers in the lead up to the season.
The primary sector is welcoming the appointment of Dr John Roche as the Prime Minister's new chief science advisor.
A new Indonesian school milk programme is expected to significantly increase the country's total dairy consumption, creating opportunities for New Zealand and other global dairy players.
A highly experienced agricultural scientist with specialist knowledge of the dairy sector is the Prime Minister's new Chief Science Advisor.
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.
Farmers appear to be backing the Government's recent Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms announcement.
For the first time, all the big names in agricultural drone technology are being brought together under one marquee at the National Fieldays.
Fonterra has announced an improved third quarter performance – with a profit after tax of $1.15 billion, up $119 million on the same period last year.
The Fieldays Innovation Awards competition has attracted a diverse and impressive array of innovations from across the primary industries, highlighting the growing importance of technology shaping the future of farming.
Coming to the fore following the carnage of Cyclone Gabrielle, Starlink became well known for providing internet access even in NZ's most inaccessible places.
From this winter farmers will have a greater choice of feed types and blend options than ever before, thanks to Farmlands' purchase of animal nutrition company SealesWinslow.
OPINION: Imagine if the Hound had called the Minister of Finance the 'c-word' and accused her of "girl math".
OPINION: It's good news that Finance Minister Nicola Willis has slashed $1.1 billion from new spending, citing "a seismic global…
