Budget 'strengthens support for NZ food and fibre industry'

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says $4.95 billion has been set aside to continue baseline funding for the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for the next four years.

“This year alone, the food and fibre sector is forecast to contribute $56.9 billion to the economy, that’s why we’re focused on unlocking new global opportunities –from the UK and EU, to the Gulf, and India– while cutting red tape so producers can get on with the job.”

The government has also introduced a series of what it calls ‘grassroots investments’.

Included in that is $246 million over the course of four years for a new Primary Sector Growth Fund (PSGF).

The PSGF replaces the former Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund and will focus on practical projects aimed at reducing costs across the sector value chain and delivering stronger returns on investment to the farm and forest gate.

The fund is designed to support projects that are business-led, market-driven, and commercially focused.

“We’ll be working with the sector to find the best projects that help drive returns, including new high-value products, and providing practical tools for farmers and growers,” McClay says.

He says projects that increase productivity and support the quality demanded by global consumers remain a priority.

There will also be $400,000 over the next four years to support A&P shows across the country.

A $2 million Rural Wellbeing Fund is also being set up, which Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says builds on the Government's $1 million investment in the Rural Support Trusts.

The fund will be administered by MPI, with successful applicants selected by a governance group including industry representatives.

“This is about giving rural people the tools and connections they need to stay supported,” Patterson says.

“Initiatives that bring people together through events, advice, or peer networks are a key part of building long-term resilience across the sector.”

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) will receive $250,000 from the Government for the 2025/26 financial year to help the organization expand its reach during its 100^th year.

“Rural Women New Zealand has been a backbone of rural life for 100 years,” Patterson says.

“This funding will support the important work they do every day – helping connect people to services, building strong local networks, and advocating for rural voices to be heard.”

Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg says that rural women are the “beating heart” of the New Zealand economy.

“Rural women are at the heart of our rural economy – they lead businesses, care for families and hold communities together,” Grigg says.

“By backing Rural Women New Zealand, we’re investing in the strength and resilience of the rural sector itself,” she adds. “This is about ensuring women have the resources and support they need to lead their communities into the next century.”