Backing farmers with a strong record on trade

As countries around the world continue to face economic challenges, there is real reason for New Zealand to be optimistic about the future – and our primary sector is at the heart of that.

To stay ahead of the international curve, we’re working alongside farmers and growers to position New Zealand’s food and fibre sector as the best in the world, and the best for the world.

Here’s how we’re backing farmers and growers: 

Our strong record on trade, including unlocking access to some of the world’s biggest and most lucrative markets, will see Kiwi farmers, growers and exporters get greater returns for their hard work.

• We’ve concluded four free trade agreements, including with the United Kingdom and the European Union, and we’ve upgraded three existing agreements.
• This has resulted in increases access into 20 markets with a combined population of 2.8 billion customers.
• More than 73% of New Zealand’s global exports are now covered by a free trade agreement.

We know that consumers overseas are increasingly demanding higher levels of sustainability in the products they buy. That’s why we’re investing in the tools the primary sector needs to be even more sustainable and to lift the value of our exports.

Growing our exports provides greater economic security for all New Zealanders, and lifts the quality of living through higher wages, new jobs, and greater stability during global economic challenges.

To secure New Zealand’s competitive trade advantage into the future, we’re investing in the tools farmers needs to be even more sustainable and to lift the value of our exports.

• We’re making significant investments to accelerate the productivity and sustainability of New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.
• We’re expanding on-the-ground support to help Māori agribusinesses lift the productivity of their whenua.
• We’re partnering with industry to integrate farm planning to streamline compliance, reduce costs, and demonstrate sustainability credentials to our markets.

We also recently launched a new Climate Action Centre, which will support farmers to reduce agricultural emissions and promote sustainable economic growth.

All of this work will help to secure New Zealand’s international brand and add $44 billion in export earnings over the next decade through a focus on creating value.

Find out more about how our Government is backing the primary sector here. 

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