Photo: 123RF
Farmers are raising concerns about the price of key inputs such as fertiliser and the potential impact on the cost of food.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis says there is enough urea in the country for farmers to get through the Autumn season.
She noted that while the price is up 54 percent on a year ago, it is still 75 per cent below what it was in 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine.
New Zealand growers import about two-thirds of the urea needed here, from the Middle East.
Farmers here – in particular those growing feed – are facing a double whammy with rising fuel costs impacting the current harvest.
Federated Farmers arable chair is David Birkett and Rabobank’s general manager of research in Australia and New Zealand is Stefan Vogel.