New Zealand’s farmers and growers have powered the economy with exports set to reach a record NZD 64.3 billion.
Forestry and Trade Minister Todd McClay said the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report highlighted a resilient, high-performing food and fibre sector driving strong demand and prices for New Zealand’s world-class products.
Export revenue is forecast to reach NZD 64.3 billion in the year to the 30th of June 2026, up six percent, with records across multiple sectors driven by healthy demand for dairy and red meat, alongside bumper kiwifruit and apple crops.
McClay said that Kiwi farmers are expected to benefit from strong farmgate returns this year due to high milk prices, record milk production and tight global red meat supplies, which will cushion against shipping and supply chain disruptions from the Middle East conflict.
He added that food and fibre exports are expected to lift even further to a record NZD 70.1 billion in the year to the 30th of June 2030, thanks to hardworking Kiwi farmers, growers, foresters, fishers and processors.
Key forecasts include:
- dairy export revenue up 5 percent to reach a record NZD 28.6 billion
- meat and wool export revenue up 14 percent to a record NZD 14.1 billion
- horticulture export revenue up 7 percent to a record NZD 9.5 billion
- processed food and other products export revenue increasing 5 percent to a record NZD 3.5 billion
McClay added that the Government has continued to back the food and fibre sector’s success.
“We are focused on supporting our farmers and growers because when the primary sector does well, it means more jobs, higher wages, and more money flowing through to communities. It also takes us closer to reaching New Zealand’s ambitious goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years,” he said.
“This National-led Government will continue to back the sector, including increasing trade opportunities like in India, reducing barriers to trade, and partnering with industry to help meet rising global demand by driving a step change in food and fibre production through greater land use flexibility.”
He also mentioned the focus on fixing the basics and building the future through sensible reforms across freshwater, resource management and agricultural emissions.
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