One of the interesting areas is the export revenue forecasts for the years ahead. In 2016 MPI’s soothsayers predicted the primary sector would earn $45.6 billion by 2020. They weren’t far wrong as the updated figure for this year is $46.5b.
So what chance of New Zealand achieving the Government’s goal of a lift in export earnings by $44b by 2030?
Based on the progress since 2013, when exports brought in $32.4b, the goal might not be too far-fetched.
Gerard Hutching
Keeping an eye on winter grazing
Environment Southland is talking to seven Southland farmers over minor issues with their winter grazing practices in a move to avoid the problems of last year that resulted in unwanted national publicity.
Ambitious export goal
The Government plans to boost primary sector export earnings by $44 billion over the next 10 years but to attain the target there will have to be more investment in forestry, aquaculture and wool.
Spending focus on Kaipara
Of the $162 million the Government has allocated for riparian planting, fencing and farm environment plans, two-thirds is for cleaning up Kaipara Harbour. The Hauraki Plains, Taranaki, Horowhenua, Wairarapa, Greater Wellington and Southland will also benefit.
ACC freezes levies
ACC levy rates will be frozen for the next two years to help struggling firms and a number of other measures are being taken to ease the financial pressures of covid-19.
Planting challenge
The rush is on to push through waterway fencing and planting of riparian strips but some rural groups believe it might be a struggle to get projects off the ground this winter, partly because of a shortage of plants and the planting window closing soon.
Tonight on Sarah’s Country
7.10pm – The ASB Mt Albert Grammar School farm was the platform for today's Government announcement of a 10-year road map for the primary industries. Farm manager Peter Brice will share his thoughts on educating Aucklanders and school children on opportunities.
7.20pm – Within the first six months of the next term of government Labour has pledged it will revise the National Environment Standards for Plantation Forestry to allow councils to determine what classes of land can be used for plantation and carbon forests. We get Beef + Lamb chairman Andrew Morrison’s thoughts.
7.30pm – Intervening in an efficiently run market will have negative consequences, a recent report to the Forest Owners Association from the Institute of Economic Research on the potential impact of the Forests Amendment Bill, says. Association communications manager Don Carson will join us to discuss.
7.40pm – Prime Minister Jacinda Arden today announced a road-map for boosting primary sector export earnings by $44 billion over the next decade. Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor joins us to share how.
