Bright future for primary sector
A primary sector think tank believes it's incredibly important for the NZ sector to grow exponentially and a big focus should be on developing exports in the 'wellness' space.
The Primary Sector Council (PSC) has unveiled its vision for the future of New Zealand’s primary industries.
It centres on the Māori concept of Taiao, which emphasises respect for, and harmony with, the natural world.
The council was established by Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor in April 2018 on a two-year mission to provide strategic advice on issues and to develop a sector-wide vision for the future.
It presented that vision, entitled “Fit For a Better World,” last week in a high-powered launch at Lincoln University attended by O’Connor, Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern and a lecture theatre full of sector leaders.
PSC chair Lain Jager said the vision was intended as an anchor for strategy and investment, and a guiding star for decision-making.
“It's a pathway to sustainable prosperity, sector confidence and the social license we badly need in the context of the global challenges that confront us.”
Jager explained that council member Miriana Stephens, of the Māori-owned agribusiness Wakatu Incorporation, had introduced the council to the concept of Taiao, which describes a deep relationship of respect and reciprocity with the natural world.
“We propose that Taiao can be a distinctive guiding star for our agriculture food and fibre sector and therefore it sits right at the heart of our vision,” he said.
“If we are to embrace Taiao and capture the potential economic benefits of this way of thinking and behaving, we need to maximize the productive potential of our catchments and farm within safe environmental limits. That means a relentless focus on developing modern scientifically informed and technology supported regenerative production systems.”
![]() |
---|
PSC chair Lain Jager at the launch of the new vision. |
Jager said the council recognised concerns for the global environment, but the sector was already heavily engaged in the transition to environmental excellence and this must continue. As part of the effort, it was important to have a common framework and language describing our relationship with nature, which Taiao would provide.
Jager claimed “Fit For a Better World” was a uniquely New Zealand positioning, encapsulating Taiao as the guiding principle and delivering products through ethical and regenerative farming systems.
O’Connor welcomed the release of the vision.
“The international consumers who buy our world-class product increasingly want to know the story behind their food. They want to know it’s climate friendly and sustainably produced, with high animal welfare standards and by a workforce that’s treated with respect and paid fairly.”
![]() |
---|
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was also at the launch. |
O’Connor said NZ farmers and growers produce some of the highest quality food and fibre in the world but must adapt to our consumers’ changing needs.
“I established the Primary Sector Council to provide fresh thinking and develop a vision to help sectors navigate the environmental and sustainability challenges it faces.
“The council’s engagement with Kiwi farmers, growers, fishers, makers and crafters has resulted in a vision which the sector can rally around.”
O’Connor said the council’s final report and recommendations are expected in March 2020.
“The next step is taking the vision and turn it into a realistic and workable plan.”
To enable this, he has established a new body called Food and Fibres Aotearoa New Zealand.
“It will involve government, industry and Māori working together to deliver meaningful change.”
Groundswell is ramping up its 'Quit Paris' campaign with signs going up all over the country.
Some farmers in the Nelson region are facing up to five years of hard work to repair their damaged properties caused by the recent devastating floods.
Federated Farmers is joining major industry-good bodies in not advocating for the Government to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…