The Act Party distinguishes itself from the National Party's perceived "flip-flopping" by offering consistent policies

The Act Party is set to unveil its primary industries policies at Fieldays, and while the lack of new policy may seem predictable, one of the party's recent recruits is defending this approach, stating that rural communities prefer certainty over constant policy changes. The policy document, titled "Standing up for Rural New Zealand," will be announced by party leader David Seymour, MP Mark Cameron, a dairy farmer, and Andrew Hoggard, former Federated Farmers president, at the Waikato event. The document largely reiterates the party's previous agricultural announcements, such as the elimination of the Zero Carbon Bill, linking emissions prices to those of New Zealand's main trading partners, abandoning the Three Waters proposal, resuming live animal exports, and repealing the Arms Legislation Act.

Hoggard, speaking to the Herald, expressed that Act's consistency would be appreciated by the rural sector, as it avoids constant policy shifts that were observed in the past. He acknowledged the importance of generating excitement with new proposals but emphasized that the assurance of being on the right track is equally valued. The National Party's recent withdrawal of support from the Government/sector partnership group He Waka Eke Noa, responsible for developing an agricultural emissions pricing scheme, and their changing stance on housing density rules further highlighted the need for stability in policies.

Hoggard's transition from Federated Farmers president to an Act candidate has been significant for the small party, often overshadowed by the National Party in rural areas. He received positive feedback from many Fieldays attendees who applauded his move into politics after establishing himself as a leader in the agricultural sector. Hoggard noted that Act's policies also attracted interest from traditionally Labour-aligned voters, such as teachers and nurses.

One of Act's key agricultural policies focuses on granting regional councils the responsibility of managing, regulating, and verifying farm plans that aim to mitigate harmful practices impacting freshwater resources. The Ministry for the Environment has outlined the requirements for farm plans, which include farms or growers with a minimum of 20 hectares of arable or pastoral land, 5 hectares for horticultural purposes, or 20 hectares of land with combined use. The phased implementation of these requirements will begin in parts of Waikato and Southland from August 1, 2023, with nationwide coverage expected by the end of 2025. Hoggard, whose dairy farm in Feilding is adjacent to the Oroua River, emphasized the need to reduce bureaucratic red tape associated with the farm plan process, reflecting one of his priorities as an Act candidate.