The Government’s commitment to growing the value of New Zealand’s dairy exports has taken a significant step forward with the passing of a key Bill in Parliament.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced that the Dairy Industry Restructuring (Export Licences Allocation) Amendment Bill, which passed its third reading, has modernised New Zealand’s dairy export quota system, creating new opportunities for growth and boosting farmgate returns.
“New Zealand’s dairy farmers and processors produce world-class products, but outdated rules have restricted export growth,” said McClay.
“This law unlocks greater access to lucrative overseas markets and ensures the quota system reflects the diversity of our dairy industry.”
New Zealand currently administers dairy export quotas for the Dominican Republic, the European Union, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
McClay said the Bill has introduced vital changes to better support businesses of all sizes. One change is shifting quota allocation from the proportion of milk solids a company collects from farmers to a system based on export performance.
It also reserved portions of quotas for currently ineligible exporters, ensuring fairer access across the industry.
“And importantly, it now includes quota for sheep, goat, and deer milk processors, unlocking new export opportunities and revenue streams.”
McClay said the Bill directly supported the Government’s ambitious goal of doubling the value of New Zealand’s exports in ten years.
The commencement date for the Bill is the 1st of May 2025.
