Santa's present for the primary sector - an FTA with India
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
Beef + Lamb NZ chair Andrew Morrison says the new strategy aims for better profitability and sustainability.
New Zealand’s red meat sector has launched a new strategy to identify and unlock market opportunities and improve the sector’s sustainability, productivity and prosperity.
The strategy is a collaboration between Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
It sets out four key goals for the sector to achieve by 2030, including sustainably profitable, premium value, vibrant communities, and trusted guardianship.
The strategy builds on the first Red Meat Sector Strategy which was adopted in 2011.
“Our vision is to grow sustainable value together and we are committed to doing the right thing by our people, animals and environment,” said Andrew Morrison, chairman of B+LNZ.
He says the new strategy would establish critical priorities B+LNZ and MIA would work on together with industry partners.
“We have set our sights on greater profitability, sustainability and resilience. We are seeking increased value for our customers and consumers and greater social and economic benefits for Aotearoa,” he said.
Morrison says that since the first Red Meat Sector Strategy was established, co-operation continued to grow and expand into new areas.
“By partnering across the supply chain on the most important challenges and opportunities for the red meat sector, we have been able to create value for all sector participants, as well as our country, communities and consumers.”
John Loughlin, chairman of MIA, says the strategy captures work the sector is already engaged in and the opportunities that will build the sector’s future.
“By establishing clear goals and priorities, the strategy provides a platform for partnerships of shared aspiration especially with Māori, the dairy sector, other primary sector leaders and the New Zealand Government,” Loughlin said.
“Our people and businesses are integral to New Zealand’s communities and economy. We are proud of what we do and our contribution to the wellbeing and prosperity of our country, and we’ll keep working hard to constantly improve.”
New Zealand's new Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Horowhenua dairy farmer, company director and former Minister of Agriculture, Nathan Guy says the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is a good deal for the country.
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.
New tractor deliveries for 2025 jumped 10% compared to the previous year, a reflection of the positive primary sector outlook, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA).
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
Federated Farmers has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Siermans to the role.
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic, with all proceeds from the event set to support the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.

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