MPI Boss Says H5N1 Will Inevitably Reach New Zealand
Don’t worry about it but just be aware - that’s the message from Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director-general Ray Smith as the H5N1 strain of bird flu is found in Australia.
Speaking at the Primary Industries Summit in Auckland this morning, Luxon says NZ has the best and most profitable farmers in the world.
New Zealand Primary Sector Exports Reach $64 Billion
He says the Government’s role is to keep powering the sector.
“I know it’s a bit chaotic out there with Trump tariffs and everything else, but in the last two years we’ve had massive growth across the primary sector.”
“It's been huge – exports have gone up to $64 billion.”
Strong Export Growth in UK, EU and Indian Markets
Luxon notes that exports to the UK and EU are up around 42% in the last two years.
Exports to India is up 72% in the past two years even before the free trade deal comes into effect.
“So, as you can see, I'm all about growth, growth, growth.
“There's nothing bigger to get the agriculture pumping, to get the growth actually happening out there.”
Luxon says the primary sector shouldn’t “just sit back and admire the opportunity”.
“We must put the foot on the accelerator,” he says.
Government and Farmers Must Work Together
Luxon noted that the Government’s relationship with the primary industries sector “wasn’t parent-child but an adult-adult” based.
‘As government, I can create the conditions for growth, but you go and create that growth and create those opportunities.
“So, we work together in an adult-to-adult way, not a parent-child way. So, I hope you've got a sense we're not doing things to you.
“We want to work with you to unlock the potential that's sitting out there.”
