Budget 2026 is backing the primary sector to boost returns and productivity, improve land management and resilience, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay says.

"We are working hard alongside farmers and growers to achieve more with less," Mr McClay says.

"Strategic and targeted commitment of taxpayers' money ensures the food and fibre sector has the backing it needs to generate the high-quality produce that feeds New Zealand and the world, supports communities and drives economic growth.

"Budget 2026 confirms $4.77 billion in baseline funding over the next four years year for the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to support the primary sector and protect the frontline."

Budget 2026's key strategic investments include:

* $109 million over three years to supercharge efforts to tackle the spread of damaging wilding pines

* $437 million over four years to accelerate the development, availability, and use of new tools and technologies to reduce on-farm agricultural emissions

* $266 million over four years for the Primary Sector Growth Fund to invest in projects focused on increasing returns, productivity, and opportunities in the food and fibre sector

* $40.5 million over four years to back the efforts of farmer-led catchment groups to improve land management practices

"Budget 2026 backs sustainable growth of the food and fibre sector, our largest export earner," Mr McClay says.

"Its exports are set to top a record $62 billion this year. One in every seven people work in food and fibre - a successful sector means thriving communities, a growing economy and a prosperous New Zealand.

"Alongside investing in innovative technologies and land management initiatives, we're supporting farmers and growers to boost productivity and their long-term resilience."

Like farmers and growers, the Government's agriculture team of Ministers McClay, Andrew Hoggard, Mark Patterson and Mike Butterick is committed to using the resources we have efficiently to support the sector - to fix the basics and build the future.

Note to editor:

Budget 2026 builds on the National-led Government's work completing and progressing a suite of positive actions supporting the sector, including: cutting red tape and costs through regulatory reform; unlocking new market opportunities for the sector such as through the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement; boosting rural resilience and wellbeing initiatives and partnering with industry to improve environmental outcomes.