Deep Roots

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Family farming:

the New Zealand experience

Terry Copeland, Chief Executive Officer, New Zealand Young Farmers

ew Zealand is a very good example of how success-

ful family farming can drive a country’s economy

forward and provide the basis of strong commu-

nity values. New Zealand is also very fortunate that for a

small country, it has plenty of land available for agricul-

ture, enough clear and pure water for irrigation, and a

small population only requiring 10 per cent of production,

allowing for a strong export supply at the top of the value

chain and providing important export earnings.

There is also a strong culture of education in New Zealand

with tertiary education participation being among the

highest in the world. However, like most places, agricul-

ture is not seen as a favourable profession for the younger

generation and the urban drift within New Zealand’s popu-

lation means that the number of young people working

within the primary industries is a challenge.

Using 2012 data, around 16 per cent of the New Zealand

workforce is employed in the primary industries – around

350,000 workers. This is broken down into three main

groups with 39 per cent of workers being on-farm, 33 per

cent of workers in the processing or manufacturing area,

and 28 per cent in the support services side.

New Zealand Young Farmers is an organization focused

on attracting, developing and retaining young people in

the primary industries. Part of this is pastoral care and the

benefits of being a network or integrated group of clubs

around the country. Running events and social activities to

engage and motivate members is vital in making life enjoy-

able in and around their rural lives.

Image: New Zealand Young Farmers

There is a need to inform and educate the broader population about the farming sector

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