Articles tagged with Farmers
Kiwi Food and Fibre Exports Set to Hit Record $62 Billion in 2026
3 weeks ago | 136 viewsNew 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.
Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand Kiwi farmers SOPI report Agriculture and Forestry food and fibre exports meat and wool horticulture forestry dairyNew Zealand’s New Planning System Cuts Red Tape for Farmers and Growers
4 weeks ago | 146 viewsNew 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.
Tags: Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard New Zealand Resource Management Act Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill farmers growers farm plans agricultureNew Zealand's Strong Wool Scores First Export Order for Innovative Wool Particles
4 weeks ago | 162 viewsNew 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.
Tags: Mark Patterson Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand Wool Source Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand WRONZ Kāinga Ora sheep farmers Japanese company Rural Communities MinisterNew Zealand Launches National Rural Recycling Scheme for Farm Plastics and Agrichemicals
1 month ago | 146 viewsNew Zealand’s Government has approved regulations for a nationwide rural recycling scheme that consolidates existing agrichemical and farm plastics programs into a single, free-to-use system to support sustainable farming and environmental protection. This industry-led initiative establishes a consistent product stewardship framework, encouraging shared responsibility among producers, sellers, and users to reduce waste and environmental impact while improving productivity. The scheme also extends benefits beyond farming, providing national take-back services for forestry, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, and local authorities, promoting safer and cleaner rural communities.
Tags: Penny Simmonds New Zealand Agrecovery Plasback Ministry for the Environment Waste Minimisation Act farmers growers Environment Minister rural recycling schemeNew Zealand Nears Eradication of Mycoplasma bovis After Major Milestone
1 month ago | 175 viewsNew 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.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Mycoplasma bovis Biosecurity Minister DairyNZ Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries OSPRI New Zealand farmers animal disease eradication community leadersNZ Uses Drone and Thermal Imaging Tech to Boost Bovine TB Eradication Efforts
1 month ago | 203 viewsBiosecurity 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.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard OSPRI bovine tuberculosis possum control drone technology thermal imaging Central Otago New Zealand farmers disease eradication TB eradicationWatercare's $1 Million Payment to Oyster Farmers - A Welcome First Step Amidst Sewage Contamination Crisis
1 month ago | 212 viewsWatercare has made a $1 million compensation payment to oyster farmers affected by sewage contamination in Mahurangi Harbour, but more compensation is needed, according to Parliamentary Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft. The payment was a response to a recent sewage overflow incident caused by a power surge, impacting farmers during harvest time. Marcroft urges Watercare to work with Aquaculture NZ to fully compensate farmers for the financial and personal toll of repeated sewage overflows, emphasizing the importance of protecting waterways from pollution.
Tags: Jenny Marcroft Jamie Sinclair Watercare Oyster farmers Sewage contamination Mahurangi Harbour Aquaculture New Zealand Compensation payment Warkworth Oceans and FisheriesGovernment Announces Further Funding for Storm-Damaged Farmers
1 month ago | 272 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Government funding farmers growers storm damage Agriculture Minister Todd McClay Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson power outages recovery efforts Rural Support TrustsMinister Urges Farmers and Growers to Prioritize Safety During Severe Weather Warnings
2 months ago | 298 viewsAgriculture 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.
Tags: Farmers growers foresters weather warnings Agriculture Minister Todd McClay local emergency wind warning human safety power cutsMinister Andrew Hoggard Represents NZ at World Dairy Summit and Visits South American Agribusinesses
2 months ago | 285 viewsNew 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.
Tags: Biosecurity Food Safety Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard New Zealand World Dairy Summit farmers dairy products nutrition economyNew Zealand Government Implements Groundbreaking Animal Welfare Reforms for Pigs by 2035
3 months ago | 402 viewsThe Government of New Zealand is proposing changes to the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to improve welfare outcomes for pigs, including new requirements for farrowing crates and mating stalls, with the regulations set to take effect on December 19, 2035. These changes aim to elevate animal welfare standards in New Zealand, balancing the needs of the farming industry with public expectations, following extensive consultation with stakeholders. The proposed amendments will increase minimum spacing for grower pigs, limit sow confinement in farrowing crates to seven days, and restrict mating stall use to three hours at a time, emphasizing the importance of providing manipulable materials and meeting space requirements for pigs.
Tags: Animal Welfare Act 1999 pigs New Zealand Andrew Hoggard farrowing crates mating stalls space requirements farmers regulations welfare outcomesMinisters Call for Pragmatic Consent Approach from Councils for Rural Growth
3 months ago | 326 viewsThe Ministers for RMA Reform, Agriculture, and the Environment have urged Regional and Unitary Councils to be pragmatic in issuing consents before the new planning system transition. They emphasize the importance of supporting rural producers and unlocking economic growth by being flexible in the consent process. The Government expects councils to exercise discretion, smooth the transition into the new system, and align their behavior to support the future planning system.
Tags: Minister for RMA Reform Minister of Agriculture Minister for the Environment Mr Bishop Mr McClay Ms Simmonds councils consents farmers planning systemGovernment Boosts Funding for Tasman District Clean-Up, Supporting Local Job Seekers
3 months ago | 332 viewsThe Government is allocating an additional $300,000 to aid the ongoing clean-up efforts in the Tasman district following heavy rainfall in June and July 2025. The Enhanced Taskforce Green program, activated in July, is employing local job seekers to assist farmers and growers in their recovery efforts. This funding extension, totaling $800,000, will support job seekers until December 2025, providing them with work experience and the opportunity to transition to seasonal horticulture work.
Tags: Louise Upston Government Funding Taskforce Green programme Job seekers Farmers Growers MSD Natural disasterLandcorp Introduces Livestock Equity Partnership for Future of Farming in New Zealand
3 months ago | 471 viewsLandcorp has introduced a new livestock equity partnership program in New Zealand to assist farm operators in building equity and securing the future of farming, according to State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown. The initiative aligns with the government's goals of enhancing rural employment, boosting farm productivity, and facilitating ownership opportunities for the next generation of farmers. The equity partnership model expands on Landcorp's existing contract farming options for dairy farmers and aims to promote high performance, unlock the farming sector's potential, and create pathways for aspiring farmers to take ownership of farms like Mahiwi Farm.
Tags: Landcorp livestock equity partnership farm operators farming New Zealand State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown rural employment farm productivity ownership pathways next generation farmersNew Bill Boosts Aquaculture Growth Potential, Eases Regulatory Burden
4 months ago | 417 viewsA bill protecting marine farmers from costly consent reviews was passed, aiming to support the aquaculture industry's goal of generating $3 billion in revenue by 2035. The Resource Management Act amendments restrict council reviews of coastal permits until 2030, reducing bureaucratic barriers for industry growth. These changes aim to allow marine farmers to focus on innovation and growth rather than dealing with regulatory red tape and costs.
Tags: Shane Jones aquaculture industry marine farmers Resource Management Act regulatory environment Coalition Government consent reviews marine farm consent conditions coastal permits red tape