NZ Food & Fibre Exports Set to Reach Record $62b, Strengthening Economy

McClay said the strong outlook shows how resilient and productive Kiwi farmers, growers, and primary producers continue to be despite economic pressures and climatic challenges.

New Zealand’s food and fibre sector is on track to deliver another historic performance, with export earnings forecast to hit $62 billion in the year to 30 June 2026, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has confirmed. The projection comes from the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report released today and reflects the continued global demand for New Zealand’s high-quality, sustainable agricultural products.

The forecast builds on this year’s record $60.4 billion in primary sector exports, spanning dairy, meat, wool, forestry, and horticulture. McClay said the strong outlook shows how resilient and productive Kiwi farmers, growers, and primary producers continue to be despite economic pressures and climatic challenges.

“From meat and wool to kiwifruit and cherries, our producers are remarkable,” McClay said. “The world wants New Zealand’s high-quality, sustainable, safe food and fibre.”

Exports are expected to climb 3 percent from the previous year and a substantial 16 percent rise compared with two years earlier. Looking ahead even further, food and fibre export earnings are projected to exceed $63 billion in the year to 30 June 2027.

Strong export demand, improving growing conditions, and increased production across most primary industries have all contributed to the sector’s positive momentum. McClay highlighted that these gains are especially impressive given recent extreme weather events and a difficult global trading environment.

“It’s an outstanding result,” he said. “The Government is backing the sector’s success, and the growth reflects a lot of on-the-ground hard work.”

Food and fibre products now account for 83 percent of all New Zealand goods exports, reinforcing their central role in the national economy.

Key SOPI Forecasts for the Year Ending 30 June 2026

• Meat and wool: Up 7% to $13.2b

• Horticulture: Up 5% to $9.2b

• Forestry: Up 2% to $6.3b

• Dairy: Up 1% to $27.4b

The Government says it is actively supporting the sector through regulatory reform, expanding trade access, improving producer returns, and accelerating the rollout of tools and technologies to help farmers manage agricultural emissions. Investments in rural health, infrastructure, and resilience are also part of the wider strategy.

“Farmer confidence is back up, farm profitability is improving, and New Zealand is turning the corner out of recession thanks to our export-led economic recovery,” McClay said.

He also emphasised a renewed focus on flexible land-use rules that enable farmers to adopt more productive and sustainable practices, provided their environmental impact is equal to or lower than existing activities.

“One in every seven people work in food and fibre – a successful sector means thriving communities, a growing economy and a prosperous New Zealand,” he added.

The full December 2025 SOPI report is available at: www.mpi.govt.nz/sopi