The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has released its half year update of the annual Situation and Outlook for New Zealand Agriculture and Forestry, commenting on a weakened outlook for primary sector trade. It also fails to mention the impending collapse of oyster farming or the continued struggles of winegrowers.
However, traditionally strong export performers such as wool, continue to get the attention of MAF analysts.
Overall the update marks down expectations of export revenue by 3.5% from the dairy, forestry, meat and wool trade for the year to June 2012. This represents almost $1 billion worth of trade receipts.
Kiwifruit’s exposure to Psa-V is also noted as a concern for the future of the industry, especially the ‘severe’ impact on kiwifruit gold variety production.
Generally good spring conditions have set the primary food sector up for a productive season, the report finds, but trade will continue to be compromised by poor economic conditions in our most important markets. Hopes are high for continued Chinese demand to keep sales positive.
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