11 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1108 views
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced a series of rural resilience workshops starting next week to help farmers and growers prepare for adverse events following recent damaging floods. These practical workshops, held nationwide alongside a rural resilience roadshow on the West Coast, aim to enhance emergency preparedness in rural communities highly exposed to emergencies. Resources such as a farm emergency plan template and preparedness checklist are available on the Good Farm and MPI websites to support farmers.
09 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1379 views
The Government is investing nearly $28 million in the Hill Country Erosion Programme (HCEP) to support erosion control projects from 2027 to 2031, aiming to protect productive land and reduce environmental and economic impacts. The programme, established in 2007 and supported by multiple councils and landowners, focuses on treating vulnerable land, creating farm-scale erosion control plans, and building regional capability. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay emphasized the programme’s role in helping farmers prepare for severe weather and safeguarding soil health for future sustainability.
21 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1534 views
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay urges farmers and growers to stay informed about severe weather warnings and seek support if needed, as heavy rain and strong wind alerts affect many regions. The Ministry for Primary Industries is actively monitoring the situation, coordinating with emergency groups, and providing on-ground assistance while advising people to prioritize safety and avoid floodwaters. A precautionary state of emergency has been declared in Whangārei, and those needing help are encouraged to contact the Rural Support Trust.
16 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1696 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.
16 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3056 views
The Government is increasing financial support for rural communities in the Nelson Tasman Region, with an additional $600,000 in funding announced by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay. This brings the total Government contribution to $500,000 to aid farmers, foresters, growers, and rural contractors in recovering from recent severe weather events. The support package includes contributions to the Mayoral Relief Fund, Farmers Adverse Events Trust, Horticulture sector, and coordination efforts to assist affected vineyards, with a focus on providing immediate and meaningful assistance to help rural businesses recover quickly.