Agriculture is one of New Zealand’s leading industries, employing thousands of people and contributing to a significant portion of the country’s overseas trade. In 2024, around 79.2 thousand people were employed in the New Zealand agriculture industry. Agriculture’s economic contribution With a GDP contribution of over 14 billion New Zealand dollars, the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry is one of the nation’s most important. A large portion of the country’s agricultural products are exported. The dairy industry was the leading primary goods export industry in New Zealand, with meat and wool products following behind. Agricultural products New Zealand produces a vast array of agricultural products for both domestic consumption and exports. The kiwi is perhaps one of the fruits most associated with New Zealand’s horticultural sector, with a high-volume and wide variety sold in the country. Similarly, New Zealand dairy products, such as milk and milk powders, are also well-known on the global stage.

The Agribusiness sector plays a key role in New Zealand's economy. This sector spans various agricultural production and service operations within the food supply chain, featuring major industries like the Cheese, Butter and Milk Powder Manufacturing industry and the Meat Processing industry. The dairy segment particularly propels the Agribusiness sector, benefiting from New Zealand’s favourable climate and extensive R&D capabilities, which drive robust international demand. Despite its historical stability, the sector has been experiencing new volatility challenges arising from macroeconomic shifts, interest rate increases since 2022 and evolving trade policies. Compounding these pressures are delayed environmental measures, which potentially jeopardise New Zealand’s premium export reputation and necessitate robust pricing and cashflow strategies. Overall, the sector’s revenue is expected to have declined at an annualised 0.04% over the past five years to $129.7 billion in 2024-25, when revenue is anticipated to grow 0.3%. Exports are crucial for sustaining agribusiness, and are expected to account for about one-third of the sector’s overall revenue in 2024-25. However, ongoing dairy trade disputes with Canada and weakening consumer confidence in China have exerted pressure on export performance. While strong milk and beef prices have supported a profit rebound post-pandemic, reduced demand from China – particularly for whole milk powder – has squeezed margins. These factors underscore the sector's volatility, which has led New Zealand exporters to adapt rapidly to shifting trade dynamics and consumer sentiment. By refining product offerings and closely monitoring global market trends, operators aim to maintain their competitive edge despite these challenges. Looking ahead, export demand is forecast to grow as demand from China recovers. Projected declines in costs for inputs, like fertilisers and feed, are likely to enhance profitability in the dairy and meat industries. A shift in consumer preferences towards sustainable products may also spur growth in niches like manuka honey. However, impending resource management reforms and emissions pricing deadlines could impose short-term financial pressures, even as they strengthen the sector’s eco-compliance. Consolidation within the sector might yield economies of scale but could strain smaller operators that lack specialised products or strong distribution networks. As logistical challenges ease, new growth opportunities may arise, though labour retention will remain an issue. Strategic planning and proactive risk management will preserve margins and competitiveness. This combination of factors is set to culminate in forecast annualised growth in revenue of 1.2% over the five years through 2029-30 to $137.9 billion.

The agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry is a major production and export industry in New Zealand. In the year ended March 2024, the gross domestic product (GDP) of this industry amounted to over **** billion New Zealand dollars.  New Zealand agriculture  Pastoral farming of sheep and cattle constitutes a large portion of the New Zealand agriculture industry. Despite continuing a declining trend, New Zealand’s sheep population exceeded ** million in 2024. Sheep meat and wool are both important agricultural commodities produced in the country. These products, along with beef and lamb, are consumed domestically as well as exported overseas. Horticulture production is also an important segment. A wide variety of fresh and processed fruit and vegetables are produced, consumed, and exported from New Zealand. The highest value of horticultural exports from New Zealand went to Asia in 2024. Changing consumption habits The consumption of beef and veal in New Zealand is projected to decrease over the next years. At the same time, global meat consumption is predicted to reduce significantly in the next 15 years, with meat replacements and alternatives filling the market. With the country’s agriculture industry dependent on its meat exports, this presents both challenges and opportunities for New Zealand agriculture.

The 2024 Agriculture Production Survey is part of an ongoing programme of agricultural production statistics conducted in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries. Previous sample surveys were held in 2003–06, 2008–11, 2013–16, 2018–2021 and 2023 with censuses in 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2022. Agriculture Production Survey measures farming operations below the enterprise level.

Dairy cattle farmers have experienced mixed trading conditions in recent years. Improving global supply and demand conditions allowed for a strong recovery in the milk prices that dairy processors offer to farmers. Dairy cattle numbers have declined as farmers have contended with drought conditions, while efficiency improvements have allowed for greater milk yields per cow. Nevertheless, milk production has dipped overall. Supply constraints both in New Zealand and worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic have boosted dairy product prices and farmgate milk prices. Overall, industry revenue is expected to fall at an annualised 1.3% over the five years through 2023-24, to $15.3 billion. Revenue is anticipated to plummet 15.0% in 2023-24, with weaker demand from China causing an oversupply of whole milk powder.Revenue for dairy farmers depends heavily on milk production and prices. National milk production has fluctuated due to unfavourable seasonal conditions and a slump in the national dairy cattle herd. Meanwhile, COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions constrained global supply. Border restrictions reduced employment in New Zealand, which, along with unfavourable weather conditions, have weighed on milk production since 2021-22. Farmgate milk prices reached a record high in 2021-22, but have subsequently fallen away in the face of a mismatch in global supply and demand. A jump in the cost of inputs – like feed and fertiliser – has weakened profit margins in recent years.Dairy cattle farming revenue is projected to return to growth over the coming years. Farmgate milk prices will continue to recover from recent declines as global demand and supply imbalances even out. While domestic per capita dairy consumption is forecast to contract, demand from overseas markets is likely to tick upwards. Higher demand will encourage farmers to expand production, boosting revenue. Revenue is forecast to rise at an annualised 4.1% over the five years through 2028-29, to $18.7 billion. Climbing farmgate prices and moderating input costs will bolster profitability for dairy farmers.

Industry operators primarily farm and breed deer, pigs, goats, fur skin animals and other livestock.

DATA SOURCE: Statistics New Zealand Agricultural Production Survey (APS)

Adapted by Ministry for the Environment and Statistics New Zealand to provide for environmental reporting transparency

Dataset used to develop the "Farm numbers and size" indicator [available at https://www.stats.govt.nz/indicators/farm-numbers-and-size]

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We present the number and area of farms in New Zealand and by region from 2002 to 2019.

More information on this dataset and how it relates to our environmental reporting indicators and topics can be found in the attached data quality pdf.

In 2019, the number of female employees who worked in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry in New Zealand was just under 46 thousand. The number of women working in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry in New Zealand has declined gradually since 2017.

Graph and download economic data for Benchmarked Unit Labor Costs - Business Sector (Excluding Agriculture) for New Zealand (DISCONTINUED) (NZLULCBXAAPNMEI) from 1979 to 2010 about New Zealand, unit labor cost, agriculture, sector, business, and rate.

Employment statistics on the Sheep Farming industry in New Zealand

In the 2024 dairy season, the average dairy farm size was 162 effective hectares in New Zealand. The average farm size has consistently increased over the past decade, correlating with an increase in the average herd size during the same period. Dairy farming nation Dairy farming is an important sector in New Zealand due to the high export value of dairy products from the country. Primarily pasture-based, dairy farming is in operation across the entire country. The Waikato in the North Island was the region with the highest share of dairy cows in New Zealand. In the South Island, the North Canterbury region held the largest share of dairy cows. Holstein-Friesian/Jersey crossbreed cows made up the largest share of dairy cows in New Zealand. Dairy products and export Aside from fresh milk, New Zealand produces vast quantities of dairy products, including whole and skim milk powder, butter, cheese, infant milk formula, and other whey products. A large share of these products are exported to China, Australia, the U.S., Japan, and Malaysia. The total export revenue of the dairy industry in New Zealand reached 23.2 billion New Zealand dollars in 2024.  

New Zealand NZ: Total Fisheries Production data was reported at 533,807.200 Metric Ton in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 524,588.200 Metric Ton for 2015. New Zealand NZ: Total Fisheries Production data is updated yearly, averaging 304,555.000 Metric Ton from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 741,836.100 Metric Ton in 1998 and a record low of 44,557.000 Metric Ton in 1964. New Zealand NZ: Total Fisheries Production data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.World Bank.WDI: Agricultural Production and Consumption. Total fisheries production measures the volume of aquatic species caught by a country for all commercial, industrial, recreational and subsistence purposes. The harvest from mariculture, aquaculture and other kinds of fish farming is also included.; ; Food and Agriculture Organization.; Sum;

New Zealand: Value added in the agricultural sector as percent of GDP: The latest value from 2021 is 5.78 percent, an increase from 5.71 percent in 2020. In comparison, the world average is 10.33 percent, based on data from 183 countries. Historically, the average for New Zealand from 1971 to 2021 is 7.1 percent. The minimum value, 4.47 percent, was reached in 2015 while the maximum of 13.16 percent was recorded in 1972.

In 2018, the energy demand in the agriculture industry in New Zealand amounted to around 22 petajoules. In the same year, the energy demand in New Zealand was dominated by the industrial and transport sectors.

New Zealand NZ: Aquaculture Production data was reported at 109,016.200 Metric Ton in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 91,275.300 Metric Ton for 2015. New Zealand NZ: Aquaculture Production data is updated yearly, averaging 26,985.000 Metric Ton from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 117,266.000 Metric Ton in 2011 and a record low of 1,000.000 Metric Ton in 1961. New Zealand NZ: Aquaculture Production data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.World Bank.WDI: Agricultural Production and Consumption. Aquaculture is understood to mean the farming of aquatic organisms including fish, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants. Aquaculture production specifically refers to output from aquaculture activities, which are designated for final harvest for consumption.; ; Food and Agriculture Organization.; Sum;

New Zealand NZ: Capture Fisheries Production data was reported at 424,791.000 Metric Ton in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 433,312.900 Metric Ton for 2015. New Zealand NZ: Capture Fisheries Production data is updated yearly, averaging 276,804.000 Metric Ton from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 648,917.000 Metric Ton in 1997 and a record low of 42,657.000 Metric Ton in 1964. New Zealand NZ: Capture Fisheries Production data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.World Bank.WDI: Agricultural Production and Consumption. Capture fisheries production measures the volume of fish catches landed by a country for all commercial, industrial, recreational and subsistence purposes.; ; Food and Agriculture Organization.; Sum;

DATA SOURCE: Statistics New Zealand Agricultural Production Survey (APS)

Adapted by Ministry for the Environment and Statistics New Zealand to provide for environmental reporting transparency

Dataset used to develop the "Agricultural and horticultural land use" indicator (available at https://www.stats.govt.nz/indicators/agricultural-and-horticultural-land-use)

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This indicator reports on the use of land for primary production purposes, specifically agricultural land uses, such as beef and sheep farming and dairying, horticultural land uses, such as fruit and berry, and vegetable growing, and other land uses, such as forestry. We do this for the period 2002 to 2019.

More information on this dataset and how it relates to our environmental reporting indicators and topics can be found in the attached data quality pdf.

Market Size statistics on the Sheep Farming industry in New Zealand

New Zealand NZ: Fertilizer Consumption: % of Fertilizer Production data was reported at 338.126 % in 2016. This stayed constant from the previous number of 338.126 % for 2015. New Zealand NZ: Fertilizer Consumption: % of Fertilizer Production data is updated yearly, averaging 254.142 % from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2016, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 409.117 % in 2006 and a record low of 175.929 % in 2010. New Zealand NZ: Fertilizer Consumption: % of Fertilizer Production data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.World Bank.WDI: Agricultural Production and Consumption. Fertilizer consumption measures the quantity of plant nutrients used per unit of arable land. Fertilizer products cover nitrogenous, potash, and phosphate fertilizers (including ground rock phosphate). Traditional nutrients--animal and plant manures--are not included. For the purpose of data dissemination, FAO has adopted the concept of a calendar year (January to December). Some countries compile fertilizer data on a calendar year basis, while others are on a split-year basis.; ; Food and Agriculture Organization, electronic files and web site.; Weighted average;

The Sheep Farming industry's performance has been volatile. However, revenue has only slipped slightly. Farmgate prices for both lamb and mutton have risen, supporting local sheep farmers. However, sheep meat production has fallen, driven in part by a decrease in domestic sheep meat consumption. Both wool prices and production volumes have also fallen. Industry revenue is expected to decrease at an annualised 2.1% over the five years through 2023-24, to $2.4 billion. Revenue is anticipated to fall by 6.9% in 2023-24 alone, driven by shrinking sheep and wool sales, with wool prices also expected to decline. Despite a slight uptick over the past two years, the number of sheep farmers in New Zealand has fallen over the past decade. An increasing number of farmers have diversified farming operations to include beef cattle, excluding them from the industry. Furthermore, many sheep farmers have switched to forestry operations, where they can receive carbon credits from the Central Government (Te Kawanatanga o Aotearoa). Profitability has also declined as purchase costs have climbed as a share of revenue, with stockfeed and fertiliser prices surging on the back of global supply chain disruptions relating to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Consistently falling wool prices and a sharp drop in farmgate prices for sheep and lambs over the past two years have also weighed on profit margins. The industry's performance is forecast to remain volatile moving forwards. Wool production is projected to fall slightly and sheep meat prices are set to remain elevated. Furthermore, the New Zealand dollar is forecast to appreciate only slightly against the US dollar over the next few years, keeping exports relatively competitive in overseas markets and increasing demand for lamb and wool in markets like China. As a result, exports are projected to increase as a share of industry revenue. Export demand is forecast to support sheep meat prices and industry profitability, further assisting farmers. Revenue is forecast to rise at an annualised 1.4% over the five years through 2028-29, to $2.6 billion.