Agriculture News & Articles
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New Zealand Food and Fibre Exports Hit Record $65.2B in 2026, Driven by Strong Demand
09 Oct 2026, 10:06 AM | 1 day ago | 62 viewsFood and fibre exports from New Zealand reached a record $65.2 billion in the year to June 2026, driven by strong demand, tight global supply, and despite challenges like the Middle East conflict and trade disruptions. Key sectors saw significant growth, including dairy exports up 6%, meat and wool up 20%, and horticulture up 5%, with notable export increases to the EU, UAE, and India following new trade agreements. The government is supporting this growth through trade deals, resource management reforms, and investments in technology to boost productivity, reduce emissions, and enhance farmgate returns.
Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand Agriculture Food exports Dairy Meat and wool Horticulture India European Union United Arab EmiratesNew Rules Proposed to Prevent Prolonged Dog Confinement in New Zealand
08 Oct 2026, 10:34 AM | 2 days ago | 94 viewsThe New Zealand Government, led by Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard, is seeking public feedback on proposed rules to prevent dogs from being confined in cages or kennels for excessively long periods, which can cause anxiety, fear, and aggression. The proposals would allow Animal Welfare Inspectors to issue $500 fines to owners if dogs show two or more signs of prolonged confinement harm, while clarifying that normal short-term confinement, such as kennelling at night or during farm work, remains acceptable. Consultation on these rules, including views on dog breeding and commercial services, opens from 12 October to 23 November 2026.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard SPCA New Zealand Associate Agriculture Minister Animal Welfare Inspectors dog confinement dog welfare dog breeding government consultation dog exerciseNew Updates Boost American Foulbrood Management for Beekeepers
01 Oct 2026, 1:11 PM | 1 week ago | 113 viewsThe Government is updating the National American Foulbrood Pest Management Plan with industry-driven improvements to better identify and contain the disease affecting honeybee larvae. These changes include enhanced colony identification, improved reporting, and stronger compliance measures, while keeping costs and paperwork minimal for beekeepers. The updates aim to protect New Zealand's $426 million apiculture sector and support pollination services vital to the primary industry.
Tags: American foulbrood beekeepers Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister Honey and Bees NZ NZ Bee Health and Biosecurity apiculture New Zealand pest management pollination servicesSouthland and Clutha Severe Weather Declared Medium-Scale Adverse Event for Farmers
01 Oct 2026, 11:50 AM | 1 week ago | 131 viewsAgriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson have classified the extreme wet and cold conditions in Southland and the Clutha District as a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking up to $50,000 in support for local Rural Support Trusts and tax relief for affected farmers. The ongoing harsh weather, linked to El Niño, has severely impacted farmers during critical periods like calving and lambing, prompting coordinated efforts by MPI, regional councils, and farming organizations to provide assistance. Farmers and growers are encouraged to seek help through various support services, including the Rural Support Trust and MPI, with multiple contact numbers provided for immediate aid.
Tags: Todd McClay Mark Patterson Southland Clutha District Ministry for Primary Industries DairyNZ Beef + Lamb New Zealand Federated Farmers Rural Support Trust Ministry of Social DevelopmentNew Approved Codes of Practice Enhance Farm Health and Safety from 2027
01 Oct 2026, 10:05 AM | 1 week ago | 161 viewsWorkplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden launched two new Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) to guide the agriculture sector in meeting health and safety responsibilities ahead of amendments to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, effective 1 April 2027. The ACOPs, focusing on roles and responsibilities in agriculture and safe farm vehicle operation, provide practical, sector-specific guidance to clarify duties, manage risks, and support better safety outcomes without creating new legal obligations. Following their introduction, these ACOPs may gain safe-harbour status, offering businesses a recognized standard for compliance, with WorkSafe supporting their implementation across New Zealand farms.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 Approved Codes of Practice Roles and Responsibilities in Agriculture Safe Farm Vehicle Operation WorkSafe agriculture sector farm safety New ZealandEmpowering Farmers to Grow More and Sell More: NZ Red Meat Sector 2026
29 Sep 2026, 2:23 PM | 1 week ago | 139 viewsThe speech highlights the significant progress made in New Zealand's red meat sector through increased farmer confidence, market access, and supportive policies, emphasizing collaboration between government and industry. It outlines plans to grow production by allowing greater land use flexibility, improving productivity, and investing in innovation while maintaining high environmental standards. The government aims to double export value by 2034 by opening new markets, particularly in India, despite challenges like rising costs and international trade disputes, with a focus on supporting rural communities and sustainable growth.
Tags: New Zealand farmers red meat exports India EU China National Party methane Rural Wellbeing Fund$1.97M Investment to Restore Southern Scallop Fishery and Boost Economy
02 Sep 2026, 2:21 PM | 1 month ago | 415 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing $1.97 million alongside industry partners in a seven-year programme to restore the southern scallop fishery in Tasman and Golden Bays, aiming to rebuild the marine habitat and create a self-sustaining fishery. The project involves restoring 39 hectares of seabed by placing mussel shells to improve conditions for scallops, addressing past habitat degradation and poor juvenile survival. With strong support from iwi and industry, the $5.02 million initiative is expected to generate $21 million in revenue over 20 years, benefiting the regional economy, biodiversity, and community wellbeing.
Tags: Shane Jones Challenger Scallop Enhancement Company southern scallop fishery Primary Sector Growth Fund Tasman Bay Golden Bay New Zealand scallop restoration marine habitat Top of the South iwi$1.97M Investment to Restore Southern Scallop Fishery and Boost Economy
02 Sep 2026, 2:21 PM | 1 month ago | 366 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing $1.97 million, alongside over 60% industry funding, in a seven-year program to restore the southern scallop fishery in Tasman and Golden Bays, aiming to rebuild the fishery, marine habitat, and biodiversity. The project involves restoring 39 hectares of seabed using mussel shells to improve habitat conditions, supported by science, innovation, and collaboration with iwi and industry stakeholders. This restoration is expected to generate approximately $21 million in new revenue over 20 years, benefiting the regional economy, seafood sector, and community wellbeing.
Tags: southern scallop fishery Shane Jones Challenger Scallop Enhancement Company New Zealand Primary Sector Growth Fund marine habitat restoration Tasman Bay Golden Bay scallop restoration Top of the South iwiGovernment Seeks Feedback on Easier Local Animal Buying and Processing Rules
31 Aug 2026, 6:59 PM | 1 month ago | 483 viewsThe Government is seeking public feedback on updating rules to make it easier to buy and process animals from local farmers, including relaxing the 28-day care requirement and potentially allowing wider sharing of homekill and hunted meat. Proposed changes include labeling homekill and hunted meat to indicate they haven't undergone standard retail checks, while maintaining provider requirements and the ban on selling such meat. The consultation aims to clarify vague rules, especially to enable hunters to donate meat to foodbanks, and runs until 5 October 2026.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister Government MPI Ministry for Primary Industries homekill recreational hunters local farmers foodbanks meat processingGovernment Funds $4.6M Hyperspectral Imaging to Boost NZ Apple Industry Profitability
28 Aug 2026, 6:00 PM | 1 month ago | 401 viewsThe New Zealand Government is funding a $4.6 million research project, led by agritech company Hectre, to develop hyperspectral imaging technology that non-destructively assesses the internal quality of apples in packhouses. This innovation aims to improve detection of defects and fruit maturity in real-time, enhancing storage, packing, and export decisions to reduce waste and boost fruit quality. The project targets at least 80% detection accuracy by 2027 and seeks to strengthen the apple industry's productivity, export performance, and global competitiveness.
Tags: Todd McClay Hectre apple industry hyperspectral imaging horticulture New Zealand Primary Sector Growth Fund agritech productivity export performanceNew Zealand’s Food Safety Minister Leads APEC Efforts on Regional Food Security
24 Aug 2026, 10:44 AM | 1 month ago | 500 viewsFood Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard is representing New Zealand at the 11th APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting in China, which focuses on regional cooperation to address food security challenges and promote sustainable, resilient food systems. The forum brings together 21 member economies to share policies, enhance trade, and collaborate on innovation, climate resilience, and supply chain stability. New Zealand emphasizes its commitment to open trade and access to safe, nutritious food while engaging in bilateral meetings with business stakeholders during the visit.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister New Zealand APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting Asia Pacific food security sustainable agriculture economic cooperation tradeNew Zealand to Ease Drone Rules Boosting Agricultural Productivity by 2027
20 Aug 2026, 6:12 AM | 1 month ago | 419 viewsThe New Zealand government announced reforms to drone regulations aimed at boosting agricultural productivity by reducing red tape and simplifying certification for routine drone spraying operations. These changes will allow farmers to use drones for pesticide and fertiliser application with only prior notification to the Civil Aviation Authority, cutting costs and delays while maintaining safety and environmental protections. The reforms, effective mid-2027, aim to enhance competitiveness with international farmers by enabling more efficient, cost-effective drone use in agriculture.
Tags: David Seymour James Meager agricultural drones drone regulations Civil Aviation Authority New Zealand agriculture drone spraying regulatory reform pesticide application agricultural innovationGovernment Supports Waikato and Manawatū Farmers During Planning System Transition
19 Aug 2026, 4:43 PM | 1 month ago | 527 viewsThe Government is taking targeted action to provide certainty for farmers in Waikato and Manawatū-Whanganui by preventing restrictive elements of Plan Change 1 (PC1) and Plan Change 2 (PC2) from applying during the transition to a new planning system, reducing duplication and regulatory burden. While ongoing environmental improvements remain required, prescribed nitrogen discharge reductions under PC2 will no longer apply, and the new natural environment plan will specifically consider PC1 to respect prior work. These changes aim to avoid economic disruption and uncertainty for farmers, with amendments to be progressed through upcoming legislation later this month.
Tags: Chris Bishop Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard Waikato RMA Reform Plan Change 1 Plan Change 2 Horizons Regional Council New Zealand GovernmentGovernment Updates Planning System to Support Farmers, Protect Environment, and Boost Investment
19 Aug 2026, 4:41 PM | 1 month ago | 493 viewsThe Government is making targeted amendments to the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill to create a faster, clearer, and more practical planning system that supports food and fibre production while protecting the environment. Key changes include simplifying environmental limits, extending the definition of existing use to 12 months for seasonal activities, and amending long-lived infrastructure permits to provide greater investment certainty. Additionally, the amendments strengthen biodiversity protections, allow councils to manage waterbody effects more flexibly, and aim to reduce complexity while maintaining environmental improvement.
Tags: Chris Bishop Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard Simon Court Resource Management Act Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill RMA Reform food and fibre production environmental protectionsGovernment Simplifies Freshwater Farm Plans with Risk-Based, Cost-Effective Regulations
19 Aug 2026, 3:06 PM | 1 month ago | 519 viewsThe Government is revising freshwater farm plans to create a simpler, more cost-effective system focused on certifying and auditing only higher-risk farming activities, such as dairy farming and intensive grazing. New regulations will streamline requirements, raise thresholds for mandatory plans, extend certification cycles, and enable industry organizations to provide certification services, reducing duplication and paperwork for farmers. These changes aim to better manage actual water quality risks while minimizing costs and administrative burdens for farmers.
Tags: Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard freshwater farm plans Natural Environment Bill farm plan certification farm plan auditing Agriculture Minister Associate Environment Minister farm plan regulations