Articles tagged with Farmers
Government Supports Wairarapa Farmers Amid Heavy Rain Damage and Erosion
2 days ago | 89 viewsThe Government is collaborating with farmers and rural communities in the Wairarapa to assess damage from recent heavy rain, including harm to roads, bridges, and farmland erosion. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay emphasized ongoing support efforts, coordination with local officials, and urged farmers to prepare for further adverse weather by safeguarding stock and infrastructure. Farmers needing assistance can contact the Rural Support Trust or MPI, with the Government ready to escalate its response as necessary.
Tags: Todd McClay Mike Butterick Ministry for Primary Industries Rural Support Trust Wairarapa Government Agriculture Minister MetService farmers rural communitiesNew Zealand Agriculture: Driving Growth, Innovation, and Sustainable Farming Futures
1 week ago | 151 viewsThe speech highlights the National-led Government’s commitment to supporting New Zealand’s primary industries through regulatory reform, trade expansion, and investment in innovation and leadership development. It emphasizes the sector’s strong export growth, environmental initiatives like farmer-led catchment groups, and new policies such as Land Use Flexibility to boost productivity while maintaining sustainability. The Government aims to ensure a resilient, profitable, and globally competitive agricultural sector that underpins rural communities and national prosperity.
Tags: Rowena Wayne Langford Luxon Minister Bishop Federated Farmers National Party Fieldays New Zealand Landcare Trust Prime Minister Luxon New ZealandGovernment Supports NZ Young Farmers with $645,000 Boost for Clubs and Wellbeing
3 weeks ago | 267 viewsThe Government is supporting NZ Young Farmers by providing $60,000 in one-off grants to 60 clubs and $585,000 through the Rural Wellbeing Fund to enhance physical, mental, and financial wellbeing initiatives. NZ Young Farmers, a non-profit with a century-long history, helps young rural people develop leadership skills, network, and support their communities. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay emphasized the importance of these efforts in sustaining rural communities and the primary industries vital to the economy.
Tags: NZ Young Farmers Todd McClay Government young farmers rural communities Agriculture Minister Rural Wellbeing Fund leadership skills volunteer committees agriculture sectorNew Zealand Food and Fibre Exports to Hit Record $64.3B by 2026
3 weeks ago | 304 viewsNew Zealand’s food and fibre sector is driving strong economic growth, with exports forecast to reach a record $64.3 billion by June 2026 and $70.1 billion by 2030, supported by high demand for dairy, red meat, and horticulture products. The government, led by Minister Todd McClay, is committed to backing farmers through trade expansion, reducing barriers, and implementing reforms in freshwater, resource management, and agricultural emissions. This support aims to boost rural communities, create jobs, and help achieve the goal of doubling export value within ten years.
Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand Kiwi farmers dairy red meat kiwifruit apple crops food and fibre sector SOPI reportNew Zealand Boosts Horticulture with Land Use Flexibility and Innovation
3 weeks ago | 248 viewsThe New Zealand Government is enhancing the horticulture sector by providing greater land use flexibility and investing $19.14 million in a five-year project to boost kiwifruit orchard productivity, quality, and environmental sustainability. This initiative, supported by Zespri and New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, aims to increase kiwifruit export sales to $7.9 billion by 2035/36 and generate an economic impact of $15.8 billion. By reducing regulatory burdens and leveraging science and technology, the Government seeks to support farmers and growers, strengthen regional economies, and ensure a productive, sustainable primary industry sector.
Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand horticulture kiwifruit Zespri Agriculture Minister New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated farmers growersAgriZeroNZ Launches $51M Early Adoption Accelerator to Boost NZ Farm Tech
3 weeks ago | 307 viewsThe Government and industry have jointly launched the AgriZeroNZ Early Adoption Accelerator, contributing up to $51 million each to support the rollout of innovative farm technologies that enhance New Zealand farmers' competitiveness and emissions efficiency. This co-funded program focuses on practical, scalable solutions, building on prior investments in emissions-reducing research, with tools like EcoPond already available and more technologies expected soon. AgriZeroNZ invites companies and industry groups to participate in projects over the next three years, aiming to provide farmers with diverse technology choices tailored to their operations.
Tags: AgriZeroNZ Nicola Willis Todd McClay Early Adoption Accelerator New Zealand farmers farm technologies emissions reduction EcoPond agriculture innovation Crown fundingGovernment Invests $260K to Boost Rural NZ Resilience and Preparedness
3 weeks ago | 202 viewsThe Government has launched three initiatives totaling $260,000 to enhance the preparedness and resilience of rural communities through strengthening Rural Advisory Groups, supporting Taskforce Kiwi volunteers, and developing rural leadership skills. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson emphasized the importance of proactive investment in capacity-building to help rural areas effectively respond to and recover from adverse events. These efforts aim to support farmers, protect food supplies, and foster stronger, well-prepared rural communities before crises occur.
Tags: Todd McClay Mark Patterson Regional community resilience Rural Advisory Groups Taskforce Kiwi Agriculture Minister Rural Communities Minister Federated Farmers Beef + Lamb New Zealand DairyNZGovernment Launches Rural Wellbeing Champions Programme to Support Young Farmers
3 weeks ago | 266 viewsThe Government is investing $98,000 in the Rural Wellbeing Champions Programme, embedded within the New Zealand Young Farmer of the Year Contest, to develop young rural leaders who can support mental health and wellbeing in their communities. This initiative, delivered in partnership with New Zealand Young Farmers and Farmstrong, aims to equip up to 150 participants with skills to navigate rural pressures and lead wellbeing conversations. The investment complements a broader mental health plan, enhancing support services and fostering resilient rural communities for the future.
Tags: Matt Doocey Mark Patterson New Zealand Young Farmers Rural Wellbeing Champions Programme Farmstrong Mental Health Rural Communities Young Farmers Government Investment Mental Health MinisterNew Rural Scholarship Empowers Future Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry
3 weeks ago | 231 viewsThe Government has introduced the Minister of Agriculture Future Leaders Scholarship to support emerging leaders in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry by providing three $10,000 grants annually for study and capability building. The program aims to develop governance skills and practical experience in rural primary sector leadership, addressing capability gaps through collaboration with sector leaders. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay emphasizes the scholarship's role in nurturing leadership and sustaining the sector's long-term success.
Tags: Todd McClay Government rural scholarship primary sector Agriculture Forestry young farmers leadership development Ministry for Primary IndustriesBudget 2026 Boosts NZ Primary Sector with $4.77B for Growth and Sustainability
1 month ago | 380 viewsBudget 2026 allocates $4.77 billion over four years to support New Zealand's primary sector, focusing on boosting productivity, improving land management, and enhancing resilience. Key investments include funding to combat wilding pines, reduce agricultural emissions, and support farmer-led initiatives, aiming to sustain the food and fibre sector, the country's largest export earner. The government emphasizes efficient resource use, regulatory reform, market expansion, and environmental partnerships to ensure the sector’s sustainable growth and economic contribution.
Tags: Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard Mark Patterson Mike Butterick Budget 2026 Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand agriculture food and fibre sector farmersNZ Government Amends Hazardous Substances Act to Boost Agri-Product Access
1 month ago | 363 viewsThe Government is amending the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act to accelerate access to new agricultural and horticultural products, enabling New Zealand farmers to more easily obtain overseas-available pest control and crop protection solutions. The changes, based on a 2024 Ministry for Regulation review, aim to streamline approval processes by reducing complexity, costs, and duplication through greater reliance on overseas regulatory assessments while maintaining local protections. These amendments will enhance regulatory efficiency, support the primary sector's global competitiveness, and uphold environmental and public safety standards.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act Ministry for Regulation Environmental Protection Authority New Zealand farmers agrichemical companies crop protection regulatory pathways invasive species primary sectorNew Crown Land Bill Empowers High Country Farmers to Boost Economy and Jobs
2 months ago | 499 viewsThe Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill, introduced by Land Information Minister Mike Butterick, aims to provide high country farmers greater flexibility to diversify their activities, including farm shops, hospitality, horticulture, and renewable energy projects, thereby boosting economic growth and job creation in regional New Zealand. The bill seeks to streamline administrative processes, reduce red tape, and ensure that new activities maintain or enhance the unique environmental values of pastoral lands. Public input is invited through the Select Committee process to help shape the final legislation, reflecting the Government’s commitment to economic growth, environmental stewardship, and strong rural communities.
Tags: Mike Butterick Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill high country farmers pastoral leaseholders economic growth regional New Zealand rural community renewable energy projects farm shops Select CommitteePrepare for Tropical Cyclone Vaianu: Essential Weather Warnings for Farmers and Rural Communities
2 months ago | 518 viewsFarmers, growers, and rural communities in the North Island, Upper South Island, and Chatham Islands are urged to stay updated and prepare for Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, which is expected to bring heavy rain and damaging winds from Saturday to Monday. Agriculture and Rural Communities Ministers emphasize the importance of safety measures, including self-evacuation from rising waters and moving livestock to higher ground, while acknowledging the resilience of these communities amid ongoing recovery efforts. The Ministry for Primary Industries is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with local emergency groups, and support is available through the Rural Support Trust for those in need.
Tags: Tropical Cyclone Vaianu Todd McClay Mark Patterson Farmers Growers Rural Communities MetService Ministry for Primary Industries Rural Support Trust North IslandNew Zealand High Country Land Reforms Boost Farming, Jobs, and Regional Growth
3 months ago | 565 viewsThe New Zealand Government will introduce a Bill to amend the Crown Pastoral Land Act and Land Act, allowing high country farmers more flexibility to diversify activities on Crown pastoral land, including horticulture, hospitality, and renewable energy projects. These changes aim to boost economic productivity, create jobs, and increase returns for taxpayers while maintaining strong environmental protections and pastoral farming as the primary land use. The Bill also reduces administrative burdens, clarifies permitted activities, and provides a pathway for exceptional land use changes, supporting modern, productive farming businesses in the South Island.
Tags: Chris Penk James Meager Crown Pastoral Land Act high country farmers South Island horticulture renewable energy pastoral farming Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill New ZealandNew Rules Boost High Country Farmers: Economic Growth & Land Use Flexibility
3 months ago | 584 viewsThe New Zealand Government will introduce a Bill to amend the Crown Pastoral Land Act and Land Act, allowing high country farmers greater flexibility to diversify activities on Crown pastoral land, including horticulture, hospitality, and renewable energy projects. These changes aim to boost economic productivity, increase returns for taxpayers, support job creation, and strengthen regional economies while maintaining environmental protections and pastoral farming as the primary land use. The Bill also reduces administrative burdens, clarifies permitted activities, and establishes a process for exceptional land use changes, encouraging modern, productive farming businesses in the South Island.
Tags: Chris Penk James Meager Crown Pastoral Land Act South Island high country farmers horticulture renewable energy pastoral farming Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill New Zealand