New Zealand urgently needs a vision and a strategic plan for its agribusiness sector, says Agriculture and Associate Trade Minister Damien O’Connor.

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says he would like to seem more emphasis on sustainable growth of the value -- rather than volume – of New Zealand exports.

Landcorp will not be sold, nor will any of its farms.

Ministers are “working on proposals” for revamping the Ministry for Primary Industries, says the Minister for Agriculture Damien O’Connor.

Federated Farmers president Katie Milne says the new Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor is obviously well versed in agriculture, which many Feds members and all farmers will appreciate.

A top priority for the new Minister for Agriculture Damien O’Connor will be appointing a primary industry council and a chief agricultural advisor to government.

Labour’s West Coast MP, Damien O’Connor is the new Minister of Agriculture, Biosecurity, Food Safety and Rural Communities.

The farming sector has its head in the sand if it doesn’t realise water is a huge issue waiting to be tackled, says Labour’s primary industries spokesperson Damien O’Connor.

The farming sector has its head in the sand if it doesn’t realise water is a huge issue waiting to be tackled, says Labour’s primary industries spokesperson Damien O’Connor.

If Labour were elected to govern it would appoint a chief agri-food advisor with status similar to that of the present chief science advisor to government, says the party’s spokesman on primary industries, Damien O’Connor.