Franklin farmers budget boom?

Farmers are set to reap the benefits of Budget 2026, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay expects.

“We are working hard alongside farmers and growers to achieve more with less,” Mr McClay says. “Strategic and targeted commitment of taxpayers’ money ensures the food and fibre sector has the backing it needs to generate the high-quality produce that feeds New Zealand and the world, supports communities and drives economic growth.”

The Budget sees $4.77 billion in baseline funding over the next four years for the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to support the primary sector and protect the frontline, McClay says.

Budget 2026’s key strategic investments include:

• $109 million over three years to supercharge efforts to tackle the spread of damaging wilding pines
• $437 million over four years to accelerate the development, availability, and use of new tools and technologies to reduce on-farm agricultural emissions
• $266 million over four years for the Primary Sector Growth Fund to invest in projects focused on increasing returns, productivity, and opportunities in the food and fibre sector
• $40.5 million over four years to back the efforts of farmer-led catchment groups to improve land management practices

This funding will back sustainable growth of the food and fibre sector, says McClay.

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

“Alongside investing in innovative technologies and land management initiatives, we’re supporting farmers and growers to boost productivity and their long-term resilience.