Arable sector industry bodies and the Government have committed to working together on actions to drive the future success and resilience of New Zealand’s arable sector.
Seed & Grain New Zealand Chief Executive Dr Sarah Clark says the commitment was made at an Arable Sector Forum held earlier this week with the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR), Federated Farmers (arable), the Ministry for Primary Industries, and growers.
“The Forum brought together arable industry-body leaders, growers, seed companies, researchers, and government to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the sector and start to identify actions that will lift its prospects,” Dr Clark says.
“Key discussions included sector priorities, creating value, boosting growers’ returns, building sector resilience, developing market insights, and other potential opportunities.
“The Forum strengthened understanding between different parts of the system, encouraged collaboration, and importantly highlighted a shared commitment to driving positive change across the arable sector.”
The forum identified five initial priorities for action and further engagement with the sector:
- Addressing poor on-farm profitability and managing costs
- Improving market intelligence and data to support on-farm decisions
- Growing the partnership between the arable sector and the dairy and livestock sectors
- Identifying opportunities to improve transport and logistics
- Developing customer recognition of the benefits of New Zealand grown grains.
The priorities will form the basis of an industry-led work programme.
Associate Minister of Agriculture Mike Butterick, who attended the forum, says arable growers play a vital role in New Zealand's food and fibre sector and economy.
“Arable growers produce the grain, feed and seed that underpin livestock production, horticulture, food manufacturing, and pastoral farming systems across New Zealand.
“The Government recognises the strategic importance of the arable sector in driving the prosperity of our rural communities and the New Zealand economy.
“At the Forum, there was a real sense of optimism, with everyone committing to positive action and acknowledging that we can achieve more together.
“The Government continues to drive positive changes for the sector through significant and sensible reforms in resource and freshwater management, cutting red tape, and investing in innovation and climate-friendly initiatives.