Economic impact of New Zealand's arable industry

A review of New Zealand’s fall armyworm surveillance network has confirmed that crop scouting is the most reliable and informative tool for understanding fall armyworm (FAW) activity. However, it also acknowledges that scouting is time consuming and that industry personnel struggle to keep up in the height of the season.

Growers are reminded to report any grass weeds that appear unfamiliar or could resemble black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides). Early reporting remains one of our strongest tools for protecting the industry.

New Zealand Food Safety and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) have signed an agreement that will see the two countries sharing assessments of new products.

Welcome to the revised 2025 version of  The drying and storage of grain and herbage seed, first published in 1999. The book comprises six chapters that cover grain characteristics and their reaction to climate, the importance of seed moisture, the drying system, the storage environment, storage pests and their control, and construction considerations. These have been edited and updated by FAR staff and independent experts from the original chapters written by the late Murray Hill.

A new Arable Industry Code of Conduct will give New Zealand’s arable sector a clearer, more consistent way of doing business — helping strengthen relationships and confidence across the industry.

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) has announced today that glyphosate residue limits for wheat, barley and oats for human consumption will stay at 0.1mg/kg. Restrictions will be introduced on permitted use.

Interest in the New Zealand Grown Grains logo is high, following its launch in Auckland earlier in October.

Farmers who save and replant legally protected cereal varieties can voluntarily declare their usage and pay a breeder royalty. The declaration system applies to all farm saved seed barley, and to farmer saved wheat if the resultant wheat crop does not pass through an end-point royalty collection agent. 

The Environmental Protection Authority (“EPA”) published a Notice of Direction Prohibiting the Use and Requiring Disposal of Chlorpyrifos Containing Substances in the New Zealand Gazette on 1 September 2025.

Growers are reminded to report any grass weeds that appear unfamiliar or could resemble black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides). Early reporting remains one of our strongest tools for protecting the industry.