That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s driven by the grit of rural communities like we have here in Canterbury and the Waitaki — and by backing farmers with practical policies that let them do what they do best.
National is doubling down on that support. Through the Primary Sector Growth Fund, we are investing in innovation, smarter land use, and higher-value production so farmers can grow more, earn more, and stay competitive on the world stage.
We’re also opening new markets. The India Free Trade Agreement unlocks access to 1.4billion consumers — creating real opportunities to sell more of the world-class food and fibre New Zealand produces.
Because when our farmers do well, the whole country does well — more jobs, higher incomes, and stronger communities across the country.
A thriving food and fibre sector depends on lifting productivity through greater flexibility, and the government is backing that future.
The food and fibre sector is the engine room of New Zealand’s economy, delivering more than 80% of our exports.
That’s why we are investing $143 million in six commercial projects to show how we can further lift productivity and returns through innovation and greater land use flexibility.
The partnerships span dairy, sheep and beef, horticulture, forestry, whenua Māori and aquaculture, with the government committing $59 million and the sector contributing $84 million.
Together, these projects demonstrate, on real farms and orchards, what is possible when innovation, capital and ambition come together.
This is about building confidence for our farmers and producers, rural lenders and investors. To show proof that innovation can deliver growth.
This government’s sensible regulatory reform and cutting of red tape and costs, combined with the latest science, technology and farming methods provides the opportunity for strong returns with a smaller environmental impact.
The National-led government is committed to backing farmers and growers to achieve their aspirations. Appropriate rules and regulations coupled with innovation ensures their ideas are not just pipe dreams, but viable and profitable pathways.
These six projects will provide the confidence they need to not only meet environmental outcomes, but respond to changing consumer demand, trade opportunities, and increasing competition in international markets.
Greater land use flexibility results in prosperity through productivity, and enabling that is part of this government’s commitment to fixing the basics and building the future.
A Lincoln University and ASB Bank report found that adopting a mix of land use and new technology, science and systems could boost the economy by $10 billion over the next five to seven years.
Finally, in a huge win for conservation, National is committing to permanently double baseline funding for the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust if elected.
These funds would provide the trust with long-term funding certainty and support its work alongside farmers and landowners protecting New Zealand's natural and cultural heritage.
• Miles Anderson is the MP for Waitaki and can be contacted at his Oamaru office on (03) 434-7325 or at waitaki.mp@parliament.govt.nz. Follow him on Facebook at Miles Anderson MP for Waitaki.
