Election 2026: How Parties Would Lift the Arable Sector
As part of its Election 2026 coverage, Rural News asked political parties how they would help pull the arable sector out of the doldrums. Here's what they said:
In March, McCain Foods wrote to growers announcing the closure of its Hastings processing site.
At the time, Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Will Foley claimed the closure would have a significant impact on the region, which was already grapping with the restructure of Watties announced that same month.
Now, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the Government will commit $50,000 for the first stage of a feasibility study to assess what would be required for growers to purchase the site so it could be commercially viable.
“I’ve met with growers, local MPs Katie Nimon, Catherine Wedd and Minister Mike Butterick as well as mayors from the region and this week my officials from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) visited to speak to those on-the-ground and gather more information,” McClay says.
He says he is getting regular updates on the situation.
"I know this is a difficult time for the more than 100 Hawke’s Bay growers impacted by the site’s closure and the rural communities they belong to.
“I’ve asked my officials to remain in close contact with growers and to provide their expertise where required.”
