Agricultural land (% of land area) in New Zealand was reported at 37.02 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. New Zealand - Agricultural land (% of land area) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

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 **** thousand people were employed in the New Zealand agriculture industry. Agriculture’s economic contribution With a GDP contribution of over ** 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.

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.

Employment in agriculture (% of total employment) (modeled ILO estimate) in New Zealand was reported at 5.6206 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. New Zealand - Employment in agriculture (% of total employment) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

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.

This statistic presents the area of land used for agriculture in New Zealand in 2016, by type. As of this year, sheep and beef farming accounted for the largest amount of agricultural land used in New Zealand, with around *** million hectares of land used for this purpose.

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.

In 2024, around **** thousand gigawatt hours of electricity were consumed in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries in New Zealand. This marked an increase in agricultural electricity consumption compared to the previous year.

New Zealand NZ: Agricultural Land data was reported at 111,160.000 sq km in 2015. This stayed constant from the previous number of 111,160.000 sq km for 2014. New Zealand NZ: Agricultural Land data is updated yearly, averaging 158,400.000 sq km from Dec 1961 (Median) to 2015, with 55 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 173,320.000 sq km in 1981 and a record low of 111,060.000 sq km in 2013. New Zealand NZ: Agricultural Land 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: Land Use, Protected Areas and National Wealth. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable, under permanent crops, and under permanent pastures. Arable land includes land defined by the FAO as land under temporary crops (double-cropped areas are counted once), temporary meadows for mowing or for pasture, land under market or kitchen gardens, and land temporarily fallow. Land abandoned as a result of shifting cultivation is excluded. Land under permanent crops is land cultivated with crops that occupy the land for long periods and need not be replanted after each harvest, such as cocoa, coffee, and rubber. This category includes land under flowering shrubs, fruit trees, nut trees, and vines, but excludes land under trees grown for wood or timber. Permanent pasture is land used for five or more years for forage, including natural and cultivated crops.; ; Food and Agriculture Organization, electronic files and web site.; Sum;

Employment in agriculture, female (% of female employment) (modeled ILO estimate) in New Zealand was reported at 4.1586 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. New Zealand - Employees, agriculture, female (% of female employment) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

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.

New Zealand: Value added in the agricultural sector as percent of GDP: The latest value from 2022 is 4.57 percent, a decline from 5.77 percent in 2021. In comparison, the world average is 10.28 percent, based on data from 184 countries. Historically, the average for New Zealand from 1971 to 2022 is 7.05 percent. The minimum value, 4.47 percent, was reached in 2015 while the maximum of 13.16 percent was recorded in 1972.

Agricultural land (sq. km) in New Zealand was reported at 101750 sq. Km in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. New Zealand - Agricultural land (sq. km) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Number of Businesses statistics on the Beef Cattle Farming industry in New Zealand

GDP from Agriculture in New Zealand decreased to 3715 NZD Million in the second quarter of 2025 from 3725 NZD Million in the first quarter of 2025. This dataset provides - New Zealand Gdp From Agriculture- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

The Sheep Farming industry's performance has been volatile. However, revenue has edged up. Farmgate prices for lambs have risen, supporting local sheep farmers. However, sheep prices have fallen, along with sheep and lamb sales volumes. Wool production volumes have also fallen. However, prices have lifted considerably. Overall, industry revenue is expected to climb at an annualised 1.1% over the five years through 2025-26, to $2.9 billion. However, revenue is anticipated to fall by 2.7% in 2025-26, driven by shrinking sheep and wool sales, with wool prices also expected to decline. Despite a slight uptick over the past five 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 war. A sharp drop in farmgate prices for wool, sheep and lambs also weighed on profit margins throughout the middle of the period. Though a recovery in prices has constrained overall declines in profitability. The industry's performance is forecast to remain volatile moving forward. The number of sheep farms is forecast to fall over the next five years, as farmers likely continue to contend with volatile weather conditions. Wool production is projected to fall, but prices are expected to rise. Sales of sheep and lambs are also forecast to edge down, though prices are set to remain elevated. Export demand is forecast to support sheep meat prices and industry profitability, further assisting farmers. Wool exports are set to continue to be dominated by China, though demand from India could benefit from a free trade agreement, which is currently being negotiated. Revenue is forecast to rise at an annualised 0.5% over the five years through 2028-29, to $3.0 billion.

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;

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;

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

Comprehensive dataset of 17 Agricultural associations in New Zealand as of July, 2025. Includes verified contact information (email, phone), geocoded addresses, customer ratings, reviews, business categories, and operational details. Perfect for market research, lead generation, competitive analysis, and business intelligence. Download a complimentary sample to evaluate data quality and completeness.