Crazy
OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament to the recent passing of legislation for the NZ/EU free trade deal.
We've become accustomed to hearing how food and fibre is the backbone of the country's economy, with export revenues hitting $52.2 billion in the year ended June 2022.
However, New Zealand's agritech community seems to be making a worthwhile contribution to the country's economy as well.
A recently released NZ Agritech Insights Report 2022 showed that of the country's Top 200 technology exporters - around 10% or 22 companies - were responsible for $1.6 billion worth of business.
"Agritech is critical to the country's efforts to produce high quality, high value food and fibre products with a lighter touch on the environment," says Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor. "It is not only contributes to economic growth but is also vital to the prosperity and wellbeing of our regions - through high value employment and the products and services they provide to our primary industries."
Encouragingly, the report delivers a snapshot showing that NZ's agritech sector delivers about 11.4% of the country's Technology Investment Network' 200 revenue, with its $1.6b contribution - up $118 million on the previous year.
The sector is employing around 5,400 people, paid on average $95,000, with average earnings generated per employee of $296,000. Categories in agritech include data solutions (29.9%), post-harvest (29.4%), animal and crop health (26%), growing and harvesting (9.1%) and environmental management (5.6%).
Key companies in the NZ Agritech sector include the likes of Gallagher Group, LIC and Datamars, which have revenues in excess of $100m. In the $20m to $100m sector, Waikato Milking Systems reported a result of $73m and Trimax returned $40m.
At the other end of the spectrum, Robotics Plus, Levno and Rezare Systems delivered revenue of $10m, $6.1m and $4.17m, respectively.
Encouragingly, the report also listed more than 100 companies operating in the NZ's Agritech sector, with many new names starting to emerge - such as Cropsy, Halter, Milktech NZ and UBCO.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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