17 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1539 views
New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries has partnered with the Veterinary Council to create VetNet-Biosecurity, a network of 200 private veterinarians ready to respond rapidly to serious animal disease outbreaks like foot and mouth disease. This initiative aims to provide urgent field support, including clinical examinations and sample collection, with veterinarians continuing their regular employment while receiving training and financial compensation from MPI. Additionally, free biosecurity training is available to all registered veterinarians to enhance their skills in exotic disease detection and on-farm biosecurity protocols.
16 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1798 views
New Zealand’s food and fibre exports are projected to reach a record $62 billion by June 2026, driven by strong demand, favorable growing conditions, and diverse sectors including meat, wool, horticulture, forestry, and dairy. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay highlights government support through reforms, trade expansion, and sustainability initiatives, contributing to rising farmer confidence and economic recovery. The sector now accounts for 83% of all goods exports and employs one in seven New Zealanders, underscoring its vital role in the country’s economy and communities.
12 Dec 2025
11 months ago
1591 views
Thirty-two graduate veterinarians will start their careers in rural New Zealand through the Government’s Voluntary Bonding Scheme for Veterinarians, receiving $55,000 over five years to work in 26 communities focused on production animals and working dogs. The scheme aims to address the rural vet shortage, support animal health, and promote primary sector growth by placing vets in diverse, close-knit rural areas. Since its launch in 2009, the scheme has supported 516 recipients, with the latest group distributed across regions including Waikato, Canterbury, Otago, and others.
09 Dec 2025
11 months ago
1232 views
New Zealand is replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 with two new bills—a Planning Bill and a Natural Environment Bill—to simplify land use regulation and better support farmers by reducing red tape, standardizing rules, and adopting a risk-based approach. The new system emphasizes property rights, fewer consents through flexible freshwater farm plans, and practical environmental management, aiming to lower costs and increase certainty for farmers while promoting sustainable practices. The bills will be introduced to Parliament soon, with public consultation planned and laws expected by 2026 to foster economic recovery and environmental stewardship.
08 Dec 2025
11 months ago
1225 views
New rule changes reduce sampling and testing requirements for small-scale meat processors, lowering costs while maintaining high food safety standards. These adjustments, developed after consultation with micro operators, aim to ease barriers for small businesses and support local food supplies without compromising safety. The government is committed to balancing oversight with practicality to foster innovation and help primary industries succeed.
08 Dec 2025
11 months ago
1260 views
New Zealand’s strong wool sector has achieved a major milestone with its first export order for innovative wool particle products, secured by Wool Source for a Japanese personal care company. This success stems from a significant $8.72 million Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) program aimed at developing high-value wool products, including powders and pigments for cosmetics, paints, and inks. The government is actively promoting wool use domestically and internationally to boost returns for sheep farmers and support the sector’s growth.
01 Dec 2025
11 months ago
1249 views
New Zealand is nearing eradication of the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis, with no infections detected after two spring calving seasons and ongoing surveillance to confirm its absence. The $870 million, 10-year eradication programme, launched in 2018, has involved farmers, officials, and the community working together to protect the dairy and beef industries from significant economic losses. The last known transmission was in September 2023, and efforts continue to achieve full eradication by June 2028, with gratitude expressed for the collective perseverance and sacrifices made.
29 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1154 views
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced that the Government is trialling thermal imaging drones to monitor possum populations, the main spreaders of bovine tuberculosis (TB), in challenging terrains like Central Otago. This technology enables more efficient, targeted possum control by accessing remote areas and reducing the high costs and difficulties of traditional methods such as trapping and helicopter operations. The initiative aims to enhance TB eradication efforts, protecting farmers and taxpayers by ultimately reducing possum numbers to a level where the disease cannot persist.
24 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1277 views
The Government has renewed a $2.7 million investment in the Farmstrong rural wellbeing programme, part of a five-year $6.8 million agreement between ACC and Farmstrong aimed at reducing injuries in agriculture and horticulture. Since its 2016 launch, Farmstrong has delivered significant returns, saving over 9,800 injury claims and $52 million in costs by addressing the link between wellbeing and injury risk. The programme, supported by ACC, FMG, and the Mental Health Foundation, provides practical resources to support farmers' mental health and safety, reinforcing the sector's importance to New Zealand's economy.
08 Nov 2025
1 year ago
1379 views
The Government has allocated additional funding to aid farmers and growers in Southland, Clutha, and Hurunui districts in recovering from storm damage. Severe weather caused extensive destruction to powerlines, farm buildings, infrastructure, and affected dairy farms with prolonged power outages. The Rural Support Trusts in North Canterbury, Otago, and Southland are receiving up to $70,000 to assist in coordinating recovery efforts and supporting those in need, in addition to the $250,000 previously allocated for storm-affected communities.
05 Nov 2025
1 year ago
1297 views
Legislation has been enacted to restrict farm-to-forest conversions on productive farmland, fulfilling a campaign promise by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay. The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme - Forestry Conversion) Amendment Act, effective from October 31, 2025, aims to protect food production, rural communities, and forestry investments. Exotic forests are limited from entering the Emissions Trading Scheme on New Zealand's most productive soils, with exemptions for Māori-owned land and erosion-prone areas, while transitional exemptions are available for qualifying forestry investments made between 2021 and 2024.
04 Nov 2025
1 year ago
1364 views
The Government and industry have invested $1.2 million through AgriZeroNZ to develop a wearable device for cows that can significantly reduce nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching on farms. This investment is part of AgriZeroNZ's efforts to accelerate the development of emissions reduction tools for farmers, aligning with the Government's goal of doubling export value in 10 years. The project by Canterbury start-up Āmua is just one of several innovative ventures supported by AgriZeroNZ, aiming to drive productivity, high-value jobs, and a future-ready economy through science, technology, and innovation.
23 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1291 views
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay advises farmers, growers, and foresters to prioritize safety and heed weather warnings, especially in the Canterbury region under a red level strong wind warning. The warning indicates potential dangers such as flying debris, fallen trees, and powerline hazards, urging caution and avoiding unnecessary risks. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with civil defence teams, while affected individuals are advised to stay indoors, prepare for power cuts, and seek support from the Rural Support Trust if needed.
20 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1219 views
The Government has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research, with Agriculture Minister Todd McClay highlighting the opening of a new state-of-the-art methane research facility in Waikato. Livestock Improvement Corporation's new 'Methane Barn' will facilitate large-scale monitoring of methane produced by dairy cows, allowing farmers to select lower-emitting genetics without compromising productivity. The Government and industry aim to develop up to 11 methane-cutting tools by 2030, emphasizing the commitment to reducing emissions without jeopardizing farm operations or jobs.
19 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1260 views
New Zealand's Biosecurity, Food Safety, and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard is representing the country at the World Dairy Summit in Chile, where global dairy industry stakeholders convene annually. Hoggard aims to showcase New Zealand's efficient farming practices and discuss the country's innovative, sustainable dairy products at the event. The dairy sector's crucial role in global nutrition, economic support, and New Zealand's export growth strategy is emphasized through Hoggard's participation and upcoming engagements in Argentina and Uruguay.