Kiwi farmers, growers, and primary producers have been driving New Zealand’s economy with food and fibre exports set to reach a record NZD 62 billion next year.
The forecast is for the year to the 30th of June 2026 and is in the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report.
“The projection builds on this year’s record-setting NZD 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,” said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay.
Exports are forecast to rise three percent from the previous year, and an impressive 16 percent higher than two years before. Exports are expected to climb to more than NZD 63 billion in the year to the 30th of June 2027.
The sector is well positioned to capitalise on robust demand and strong prices, supported by good growing conditions and higher production in most areas.
"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 significant on-the-ground hard work. The food and fibre sectors now account for 83 percent of all New Zealand goods exports.
Key forecasts for the year ending the 30th of June 2026 include:
- Meat and wool export revenue lifting seven percent to NZD 13.2 billion
- Horticulture export revenue lifting five percent to NZD 9.2 billion
- Forestry export revenue lifting two percent to NZD 6.3 billion
- Dairy export revenue lifting one percent to NZD 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.”
McClay added that farmer confidence was back up, farm profitability was improving for many producers, and New Zealand has turned the corner out of recession, thanks to its export-led economic recovery. 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.
“We’re also taking steps to boost productive and sustainable growth through more flexible land use.”
One in every seven people works in food and fibre; a booming sector means thriving communities, a growing economy and a prosperous New Zealand.
