Minister for Primary Industries presents plans at Fieldays
Ciaran Warner finds out what Nathan Guy has planned for the Ministry of Primary Industries.
The Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, gave a presentation at Fieldays today, explaining his immediate plans for his ministry.
Guy had a positive outlook for New Zealand farming industries, saying they made a significant contribution to the country’s economy.
“New Zealand’s primary industries, particularly farming industries, export around $30 billion per year…they are the backbone of our economy,” said Guy.
“We are a country of around 4.5 million people, yet we make and export enough food to feed 40 million.”
Guy spoke extensively about his agenda, saying that one high priority was economic growth in New Zealand’s industrial sector.
He said that New Zealand’s export income had more than trebled in the last five years, from around $2 billion a year in 2007 to $6.9 billion this year, and plans to ensure that number doubles in the next 10 years.
“Many stakeholders in industries I’ve met are engaged in the export double target. The question is how to get there in a sustainable way.”
Questions from the audience included concerns about biosecurity, to which Guy responded by saying that it was also a high priority.
“Biosecurity is a real priority for myself and the government…I think of it as a triangle. On one corner, we gather information about the cargo, where it’s been, where it lands. On another, we have the security measures, such as x-rays and dogs. And lastly, if there is an incursion, it’s how we respond to that, and deal with it.”
Guy said that he was a keen supporter of events such as Fieldays.
“I come from a farming family myself, in Levin…I used to help organise the tractor pulls when I was at Massey University. I’ve been a regular attendee at these events for years… It’s great for me to be here.”
