A new report shows New Zealand's primary sector exports reached record-breaking levels in the past year.
The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report says primary sector exports were at a record $46.4 billion in the year ended June 2019, up 8.7 percent on the previous year.
Primary sector exports include dairy, meat and wool, foresty, horticulture, seafood and arable industries.
Minister of Agriculture and Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth, Damien O'Connor said it was a fantastic result.
"This latest report shows some absolutely outstanding, record-breaking results," he said.
He said total dairy export revenue was up 8.7 percent to $18.1 billion.
"That's a $1.47 billion increase, which is just staggering, and the sector appears to be set up for another favourable production season," said O'Connor.
The report also had positive news for the horticulture sector, forecasting revenue to rise by 3.8 percent for the year ending June 2020, while seafood exports are expected to rise by 5.5 percent.
Meat and wool prices remained near record highs with strong international demand, and prices for red meat products are expected to remain at near-record highs for the near future.
"Our nation's farmers and growers produce some of the highest quality food in the world - and the world knows it. They are bringing home record export returns and that's something for them to be really proud of. I'm certainly very proud of them," he said.
O'Connor said the primary sector deserved to be congratulated for the result.
"To our farmers and growers I say - you are the backbone of our economy and you're at the heart of our rural communities. This Government appreciates you and we're behind you. These results are down to your hard work - congratulations".
The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries is available here.
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