Deep Roots

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Image: New Zealand Young Farmers

Around 16 per cent of the New Zealand workforce is employed in the primary industries

In addition, there are New Zealand farmers travelling over-

seas to advise and consult at a local level (especially in South

America) which will make a real difference.

Lastly, there is very strong cooperation between the

Government, industry bodies and farmers themselves. This

collaboration is driving the industry forward, benefiting farmers

and the country as a whole. There is also good focus on research

and development combining universities and Crown research

agencies – and while a lot more can be done in this space, the

results of dozens of research projects is flowing through the

industry. The establishment of a pan-industry organization,

the Primary Industries Capability Alliance (PICA), which is

driven by industry and brings together Government, industry

sector bodies, education providers, and farmer representative

organizations, will allow a coordinated approach and direction

to enhance farmers and the broader New Zealand economy.

One of the key platforms for PICA is to align key industry

messaging to young people, to coordinate a schools engage-

ment programme whereby teachers and students are not

bombarded by individual sector groups within the primary

industries but have a single comprehensive contact point

representing the broader industry. This will make it much

clearer and simpler for teachers, parents and students to be

aware of the positive benefits of careers, environmental issues

and economic sustainability.

The New Zealand climate and proportion of arable land is

ideally suited for being a vibrant, productive and innovative

agriculture-driven economy and society. As the population

continues to grow significantly, the percentage of people

employed in the sector is slowly dropping – it will be 15 per

cent of the workforce by 2025. Family farming is both a way

of life in New Zealand and the basis for a lot of small-scale

employment beyond family members.

As an economy, primary industry represents a staggering 70

per cent of merchandise export and there is a tangible belief

that it is helping to feed the world. New Zealand is a very

responsible country as well – focusing on environmental

sustainability while striving for productivity gains, focusing

on authentic provenance for high value products, and ensur-

ing that its biosecurity and food safety are world leading.

The future relies on more young qualified people enter-

ing the industry, carrying on the proud traditions of family

farming and progressing though to farm ownership them-

selves. It is a bright future, taking advantage of the natural

resources New Zealand has, and having stable government

and a strong equality within society.

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