Backing farmers with a strong record on trade

We know that consumers overseas are increasingly demanding higher levels of sustainability in the products they buy. That’s why we’re supporting Kiwi farmers and growers to maintain their competitive edge – and our plan to lock in New Zealand’s high value export potential is working.

Here’s how we’re backing farmers and growers: 

To unlock new opportunities for Kiwi farmers, growers and exporters, we’re continuing to pursue high quality free trade agreements that diversify New Zealand’s trade relationships.

• Since taking office, we’ve secured four free trade agreements, including with the United Kingdom – which is now in force.
• We’ve upgraded three existing free trade agreements with China, Singapore and ASEAN member states.
• The increase in market access we’ve negotiated means 73.5% of New Zealand’s global exports are now covered by a free trade agreement, up from around 50% in 2017.

Our strong record on trade, including unlocking access to some of the world’s biggest and most lucrative markets, will see New Zealand’s primary sector get greater returns for their hard work.

• Since coming into Government, New Zealand’s food and fibre export revenue has grown by 39%, from $38.2 billion to $53.1 billion.
• Our free trade agreement with the United Kingdom will boost New Zealand’s GDP by up to $1 billion, supporting businesses and jobs right across the economy. It will also save Kiwi exporters around $37 million each year on tariff elimination alone
• Our free trade agreement with the European Union is expected to increase the value of New Zealand’s exports to Europe by up to $1.8 billion per year from 2035.

More and more people are choosing to buy products that come from a place where animals are treated well, there is a low impact on the environment and production contributes minimally to global emissions. New Zealand farmers are already well placed to meet that demand, and we want to lock that in and help our country do even better.

Growing our exports provides greater economic security for all New Zealanders, and lifts the quality of living through higher wages, new jobs, and greater stability during global economic challenges.

To secure New Zealand’s competitive trade advantage into the future, we’re investing in the tools farmers needs to be even more sustainable and to lift the value of our exports.

• We’re making significant investments to accelerate the productivity and sustainability of New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. For example, we have co-funded 255 projects alongside industry through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund. 
• We’re expanding on-the-ground support to help Māori agribusinesses lift the productivity of their whenua.
• We’re partnering with industry to integrate farm planning to streamline compliance, reduce costs, and demonstrate sustainability credentials to our markets.

Kiwi exporters are already seeing sustainable products as something consumers overseas want and are willing to pay a premium for.

Now, we need to keep working together to make sure customers continue to have every reason to buy New Zealand’s high value products.

All of this work will help to secure New Zealand’s international brand and add $44 billion in export earnings by 2030 through a focus on creating value.

The Labour team is on the ground at Fieldays this week to continue to listen and engage with the sector so we can work together to become the best food and fibre sector for the world. Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.