Final week for Gene Technology Bill submissions, variable weather slows meat processing, and apple and pear returns crack $1 billion mark.

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Final week for Gene Technology Bill submissions

The Gene Technology Bill, one of the most controversial agricultural reforms in recent years, is in its final week of public submissions. Farmers and researchers are voicing strong concerns, warning that deregulating gene editing could damage New Zealand’s global reputation and primary industries.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended the bill, arguing that enabling gene technology is about backing farmers and promoting growth. He said he wanted New Zealand scientists working on high-yield crop variants and emissions solutions that support farmers rather than pushing them off their land. 

Former Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins, who first revealed the bill in August, claimed New Zealand has lagged behind other countries such as Australia, Canada, and the UK in embracing gene editing. She highlighted that the biotech sector generated $2.7 billion in revenue in 2020 and that loosening regulations would allow further innovation. 

However, critics say the bill goes too far. University of Canterbury professor of genetics and biology Jack Heinemann has called it a radical shift that could leave New Zealand isolated internationally. In his submission to the Health Committee, he warns the bill weakens oversight and risks public health and environmental safety. He argues that removing regulatory safeguards could jeopardize exports, as key trading partners like Europe and Brazil maintain strict GMO restrictions. A lack of traceability could force non-GMO farmers to pay for testing or label their products as potentially containing genetically modified organisms.

Submissions on the bill close at 11:59 pm next Monday. To submit feedback follow the link in this episodes description.

 

Government sees 'green shoots' for red meat sector

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says there are clear signs of recovery in New Zealand's red meat sector, as the government hosted a National Lamb Day celebration at Parliament yesterday.

The Minister highlighted recent positive trends including climbing sheepmeat prices, which exceeded the five-year average in December, alongside record high cattle prices and increasing demand from key markets. The sheep and beef sector contributed over $10 billion in export earnings last year, equivalent to $3,300 per Kiwi household.

McClay says the government's agricultural team, including Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard, Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson, and Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg, are focusing on reducing farm costs and improving returns at the farm gate.

New trade agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Gulf Cooperation Council are expected to eliminate 99 percent of tariffs over time, opening fresh opportunities for New Zealand lamb in the Middle East.

 

Westpac lifts farmgate milk price forecast 

Westpac has raised its farmgate milk price forecast for the current season by 30 cents to $10.30 per kilogram of milk solids.

The bank’s opening forecast for the 2025/26 season is $10 per kilogram.

Fonterra’s forecast range for the current season sits between $9.50 and $10.50 per kilogram, with a midpoint of $10. If achieved, a $10 milk price would mark a record high.

Westpac says global dairy prices have generally remained stable, with the lower New Zealand dollar helping to boost local returns. The last two GlobalDairyTrade auctions have seen a solid rise in dairy prices, following earlier declines. Despite fluctuations, prices have held up better than expected, according to the bank's economists.

Chinese buyers have become more active in recent months, reportedly restocking after running inventories down to low levels. Whole milk powder, which has the greatest impact on Fonterra’s milk price, has been in particularly strong demand, as few countries besides New Zealand export significant quantities.

Westpac notes that whole milk powder prices have reached their highest levels since April 2022. Other dairy products, such as skim milk powder and butter, have also risen recently, though they remain below last year’s highs.

 

Variable weather slows meat processing

Variable weather conditions across the country are being blamed for the slow start to the meat processing season. Some drier regions have finally received much-needed rain, while further south, a colder-than-usual summer has led some farmers to hold back animals to put on weight, impacting supply flows.

These weather patterns have influenced farmer decisions, but in other areas, livestock flows remain steady. Processing volumes are expected to pick up as the year progresses and farmers are advised to stay in close contact with their livestock representatives to manage bookings and avoid bottlenecks.

In terms of market conditions, strong beef pricing continues in the United States, however, a close watch is being kept on potential policy changes under the new administration of President Trump that could affect exports.

 

Apple and pear returns crack $1 billion mark

New Zealand's apple and pear industry has achieved a historic milestone, reaching $1 billion in orchard gate returns for the first time, just two years after Cyclone Gabrielle devastated orchards.

New Zealand Apples and Pears chief executive Karen Morrish says the sector's total economic contribution has jumped 27% to $2.5 billion, with further growth expected. Export volumes are forecast to increase 10% to 21 million tray cartons in 2025.

The record returns come despite little change in planted area, with Morrish crediting increased productivity and investment in high-value varieties for the growth. She says New Zealand fruit continues to command premium prices in international markets.

The achievement marks a significant recovery for the industry, which has faced multiple challenging seasons including severe weather events. Morrish says strong demand from key export markets and sustainable growing practices are driving the sector's success.

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