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New Zealand has relatively few diseases or pests which
globally affect crops or stock, so it is very important that its
biosecurity measures are stepped up to maintain this posi-
tion. Family farmers individually have little ability to address
disease or pests coming across the country’s borders, but the
industry does have very good monitoring of stock move-
ments and traceability. The Government of New Zealand is
putting a lot of focus and resource into biosecurity to ensure
long-term protection of the farming sector.
Positive developments for family farmers
Primary industry organizations that support farming in New
Zealand are creating significant progress in value chain benefits
for the economy and sector. Because New Zealand is a very
small country in both land mass and population, there is only
a limited amount of food and fibre that can be produced and
sold into global markets. Therefore it is critical for New Zealand
that these products have significant value added to them rather
than competing in the commodity market in which its small
scale is disadvantaged. The philosophy is to niche-market the
highest quality products directly to affluent consumers in key
export markets with a very clear New Zealand brand, so as not
to confuse consumers or impede access to local producers. It is
especially important to note that New Zealand family farmers
are very supportive of local market access for local farmers and
support farmers’ rights for developing countries.
If New Zealand can produce high-quality food for 40 million
people, the maximum benefit is to be positioned at the very
top of the market. This can only be done if the country has
clear provenance, demonstrates commitment to food safety, is
environmentally sustainable and has high-quality and nutri-
ent-rich products.
Driven by the next generation of rural professionals, there
is a keen sense of taking this to the next level. Rather than
produce enough food for 40 million people, New Zealand
should target 10 per cent of the diet of 400 million people
and effectively become a global delicatessen rather than a
regional supermarket.
New Zealand is recognized as a world leader in farming and
is beginning to use its capability in production, use of technol-
ogy and sustainability to advise and support other countries in
their efforts to develop and improve efficiency and productiv-
ity. There are two world-class agriculture-based universities in
New Zealand which are gaining significant enrolments from
students across the world who are taking advantage of cost-
effective degrees and top facilities and learning opportunities.
New Zealand Young Farmers works with schools and the education
framework to increase awareness about farming
New Zealand Young Farmers is helping to produce the next generation of
rural leaders and industry experts
Image: New Zealand Young Farmers
Image: New Zealand Young Farmers
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