Ministry for Primary Industries

Location

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand. It operates a network of regional offices and laboratories essential for managing food safety, biosecurity, and animal welfare, crucial components for the dairy industry.

Financial Indicators

While MPI is not a profit-driven entity, its regulatory activities significantly impact New Zealand's dairy industry's financial performance. In 2022, the value of dairy exports was approximately NZD 20 billion, highlighting the sector's importance and MPI's critical oversight role.

Significant Events

MPI has been instrumental in addressing various challenges within the dairy industry. A noteworthy example is the Ministry's effective response to the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak in 2017, which helped mitigate the impact and maintained the reputation of New Zealand's dairy products for safety and quality.

Company Plans and Initiatives

MPI is committed to promoting the sustainability and resilience of New Zealand's primary industries, with a focus on the dairy sector. Key initiatives include advocating for sustainable farming practices and enhancing biosecurity measures. A significant strategic objective involves collaboration with industry stakeholders and investment in science and technology, such as the Resilient Dairy Programme in partnership with DairyNZ and LIC, aimed at enhancing dairy herd fertility and performance.

Additionally, MPI is conducting a statutory review of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act, led by Agriculture Minister Todd McClay. This review is set to evaluate the current competition provisions affecting the dairy cooperative Fonterra, potentially influencing New Zealand's dairy export competitiveness.

According to the latest Situation and Outlook Report for Primary Industries (SOPI), MPI forecasts that New Zealand's dairy export earnings could reach $31 billion by 2030, underlining the dairy sector's critical role in the country's export economy.

MPI also collaborates with DairyNZ in the Resilient Pastures programme and participates through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund. The Ministry has published a summary of the revised Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare and is involved in initiatives like the AgriZeroNZ project and the Dairy Beef Opportunities initiative. Additionally, MPI finances the Whenua Haumanu project through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund, in collaboration with Massey University.