New Zealand’s farmers, growers and primary producers are set to deliver a major boost to the economy, with food and fibre exports forecast to reach a record $62 billion next year, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay says.
The outlook, covering the year to 30 June 2026, is detailed in the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report released in mid-December 2025.
“The projection builds on this year’s record-setting $60.4 billion – from meat and wool to kiwifruit and cherries, our producers are remarkable. The world wants New Zealand’s high-quality, sustainable, safe food and fibre,” Todd says.
Export revenue is forecast to increase by 3% on the previous year and is 16% higher than two years ago. Growth is expected to continue, with exports projected to exceed $63 billion in the year to 30 June 2027.
Strong global demand, solid prices, favourable growing conditions and increased production across most sectors are underpinning the positive outlook.
“It’s an outstanding result, especially considering a tough year with challenging global conditions and extreme weather impacting producers. The Government is backing the sector’s success, and the growth reflects a lot of on-the-ground hard work.
“The food and fibre sectors now account for 83% of all New Zealand goods exports.”
For the year ending 30 June 2026, key export forecasts include:
Meat and wool export revenue rising 7% to $13.2 billion,
Horticulture export revenue increasing 5% to $9.2 billion,
Forestry export revenue lifting 2% to $6.3 billion,
Dairy export revenue increasing 1% to $27.4 billion.
“We’re cutting red tape through significant reforms, building trade, driving higher producer returns, delivering tools and technology to tackle agricultural emissions, and investing in the health of rural New Zealand,” Todd McClay says.
“Farmer confidence is back up, farm profitability is improving for many producers, and New Zealand is turning the corner out of recession thanks to our export-led economic recovery.
“We’re also taking steps to boost productive and sustainable growth through more flexible land use. Farmers and growers should be able to choose what they do behind the farm gate if they can show it will have a lower or no greater environmental impact.
“One in every seven people works in food and fibre; a successful sector means thriving communities, a growing economy and a prosperous New Zealand.”
SPONSORED
