New Zealand Primary Sector Forecast to Reach $70 Billion by 2030
Against all the odds, the primary sector has turned in a stellar performance with export returns for 2026 hitting $64.3 billion - up 6% on the previous year.
Prime Minister John Key offered to host the signing of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal in New Zealand, says Trade Minister Todd McClay.
Expect protest marches, outrage and nonsensical claims – from self-professed academic experts to gloried All Blacks' water-boys – it has been confirmed that New Zealand will host the formal signing of the TPP early next month.
Prime Minister John Key offered to host the signing of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal in New Zealand, says Trade Minister Todd McClay.
They are looking at possible dates with the 11 other countries involved in the deal.
Currently TPP participants are also legally verifying the text. When that it finished it will be made publicly available and will need to be signed, McClay adds.
NZ is the repository, meaning we take responsibility for holding the final text when it is signed.
"Every country has a different process to go through domestically to have the ability to sign the agreement and they need to wait until all 11 countries have finished that process before final decisions on a venue and a date can be made."
On the free trade negotiations with the European Union, McClay says he met with the EU trade commission head Cecilia Malmström in Nairobi in December and they agreed McClay would travel to Brussels early this year and meet with her again.
"We have agreed we want to make significant progress during this year, but it is likely to take a couple of years before we can be close to reaching agreement on an FTA with the European Union," he told Rural News. "It is a big priority for our government."
Current two way trade with the EU, even without an FTA, is worth $20 billion. The TPP is worth about $28b in exports to NZ and the China FTA is worth about $20b.
Joshua Irving has been named the 2026 Ormond Nurseries North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year.
Vets say they support the responsible use of virtual fencing and virtual herding technology for cattle and wants to work with farmers, manufacturers and government to help shape standards for future use backed by ongoing research to strengthen animal welfare outcomes.
National and world records tumbled as top Kiwi axeman claimed two Stihl Timbersports world titles at the same event in Budapest, Hungary over the first weekend in June.
A safety push across New Zealand has revealed significant gaps in hazardous substances management, farm vehicles, tractors, quad bikes and side-by-sides.
New Zealand farmers have earned a global edge by consistently yet cautiously taking advantage of emerging agri-technology.
New season data from LIC shows a strong reproductive performance for the 2025-26 season, with a lift in key metrics compared to last season.

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