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.
05 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1288 views
New Zealand and Chile have signed the Strategic Agricultural Arrangement 2026–2030 to enhance cooperation in agriculture, focusing on expertise exchange, sustainable development, research, innovation, and climate resilience. Both countries share similar farming systems and advocate for open, rules-based trade, aiming to strengthen their agricultural relationship and seize mutual opportunities. This agreement builds on 80 years of diplomatic ties and aims to boost economic returns for farmers and exporters in both nations.
26 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1366 views
The Government has classified recent weather events in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, and Canterbury as medium-scale adverse events, unlocking additional support for affected farmers and growers. This support includes tax relief, Rural Assistance Payments, and activation of Enhanced Taskforce Green, with the Ministry for Primary Industries conducting on-farm assessments to identify those most in need. Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson urges farmers and growers to seek help through the Rural Support Trust for ongoing recovery efforts.
13 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1285 views
New Zealand and Singapore have signed a new electronic certification arrangement to replace the paper-based system, enabling real-time digital exchange of export health certifications for food and primary products. This initiative aims to streamline border processes, reduce costs, enhance supply chain security, and accelerate market access, supporting trade growth between the two countries. The arrangement is part of their Joint Plan of Action under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and aligns with New Zealand’s goal to double export value within ten years.
11 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1353 views
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay hosted a barbecue to celebrate National Lamb Day and the milestone of lamb exports exceeding $4 billion, highlighting the red meat sector's vital economic contribution to New Zealand. The government aims to boost the agriculture sector by cutting red tape, enhancing trade, and supporting farmers to help double export values within ten years. Key trade achievements include agreements with the UAE, Gulf Cooperation Council, and India, with ongoing efforts to remove trade barriers and expand market access.
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.
30 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1277 views
The New Zealand Government, through ACC, is partnering with NZ Young Farmers to sponsor the 2024 FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition, aiming to support and develop future leaders in the food and fibre sector. This collaboration emphasizes injury prevention, safety, and recovery in farming, addressing the high risk of agricultural injuries and the significant costs associated with them. By integrating ACC’s expertise, the competition promotes safe, sustainable farming careers while highlighting the skills, resilience, and leadership required in New Zealand’s vital agricultural industry.
21 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1537 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.
18 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1638 views
Nathan Guy has been appointed as New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy to promote the country’s agricultural exports and support government trade objectives, focusing on key markets like India and the GCC. With his background as a dairy farmer, agribusiness leader, and former Minister for Primary Industries, Guy is well-equipped to advocate for New Zealand’s primary production globally. He will succeed Hamish Marr on January 1, 2026, continuing efforts to enhance New Zealand’s agricultural trade relationships.
17 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1423 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed the Reserve Bank’s decision to ease some capital requirements imposed on banks in 2019, including adjustments to risk weights. These changes aim to enhance competition, particularly benefiting smaller banks and increasing lending to key sectors like agriculture. The revised requirements maintain prudence while promoting a more balanced approach between risk management and fostering competition, with gradual implementation planned.
16 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1699 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
10 months ago
1485 views
The New Zealand Government has passed the Climate Change Response Amendment Bill, setting a new biogenic methane reduction target of 14-24% below 2017 levels by 2050, while maintaining the net zero target for long-lived gases. The legislation supports farmers by emphasizing practical, technology-driven emissions reductions without compromising productivity or trade competitiveness, backed by over $400 million in investments for methane-cutting tools. Additionally, the Bill mandates a 2040 target review, protects food production in emissions budgeting, and clarifies the Emissions Trading Scheme’s role, aiming to provide certainty and move from debate to action in the agriculture sector.
12 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1519 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
10 months ago
1121 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.
24 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1172 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.