Ensuring a world-class biosecurity system has again been rated as the ''No1'' priority by New Zealand's primary industry leaders.
They were surveyed as part of KPMG's annual Agribusiness Agenda, to gauge the priority they attached to a range of strategic issues facing the primary sector.
Improving the country's biosecurity framework topped the list for the fifth consecutive year, while delivery of rural broadband moved up four places to share the second ranking with the importance of food safety.
Concerns surrounding biosecurity weaknesses were similar to those of previous years and included the ''holes'' in border inspection protocols, unrestricted importation of high-risk products, such as palm kernel extract, and concerns about the practical implications of Government Industry Agreements.
The view was expressed it was ''more by luck than good management'' that New Zealand did not experience more incursions.
It was also noted the identification of the Queensland fruit fly, in Auckland, earlier this year, demonstrated protection systems were working as intended.
In his foreword to the agenda, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said biosecurity remained his ''No1 priority''.
This year's Budget included $27 million in new funding for biosecurity, which would mean more dogs, X-ray machines and resources.
In April, he announced the Biosecurity 2025 project which would update and replace the 2003 Biosecurity Strategy, which was the founding document of New Zealand's biosecurity system.
It was regularly noted among industry leaders that improving rural connectivity had the potential to drive improved economic, social and environmental outcomes in many ways.
They included interactions with customers, using data to support decision-making and environmental compliance, enhancing the accessibility to core community services and attracting talented people to move into rural areas.
While New Zealand agricultural businesses were expected to deliver value from 21st-century markets, they were being provided with ''20th-century communication services'', the report said.
There was a consistent view that it was an area where greater intervention was needed from national and local Government.
The challenge of attracting talented people to the sector also remained a priority.
There was ''no silver bullet'', given the primary sector's low profile in schools and the perceptions of those influencing career choices, the report said.
The industry needed a strategy capable of attracting 50,000 additional people by 2025.
The wish list
The top 10 primary industry priorities as seen by industry leaders. -
1) Ensure a world-class biosecurity system.
2) Deliver high speed broadband to rural communities.
3) Food safety strategic importance.
4) Deliver market signals to producers.
5) Sign high-quality trade agreements.
6) Develop future leaders.
7) Invest in irrigation/water storage.
8) Deliver research and development incentives.
9) Innovate with customers.
10) Create New Zealand provenance brands.
