\u201cOur food and fibre sector has been built on resilience, ingenuity and an unshakeable connection to the land,\u201d co-chair Aimee Blake, a sixth-generation dairy farmer from Clarks Beach in South Auckland, said.<\/p>\n
\u201cKiwi farmers and growers have always adapted to pressures and found opportunities in times of change.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe we are at another pivotal moment where New Zealand can lead the world in sustainable, high-value food production.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blake said members shared the belief that agriculture had an important role in solving many of the challenges facing society.<\/p>\n
\u201cAcross six key recommendations, we are calling for the sector to embrace the future and evolve again.<\/p>\n
\u201cTogether, we can shape what comes next.\u201d<\/p>\n
She shares the co-chair role with Katikati kiwifruit grower Daniel Kenna. <\/p>\n
Together, they help lead an organisation driven entirely by volunteers.<\/p>\n
Future Farmers NZ is governed by a volunteer board and supported by members who contribute in a variety of areas, from executive leadership and event organisation to communications and social media.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur members are involved because they genuinely care about the future of the sector,\u201d Blake said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe group has been supported by volunteers, grants, sponsors and donations, and there is a lot of interest and excitement about what we are trying to achieve.\u201d<\/p>\n
Today, the organisation includes around 50 active members within a broader network of more than 150 people from across New Zealand\u2019s food and fibre value chain.<\/p>\n
Future Farmers NZ member William Kenna, hosting and facilitating the resilient landscapes modules at the AgriFutures clash of the colleges event.<\/p>\n
The membership reflects the diversity of modern agriculture, bringing together farmers, growers, researchers, agronomists, consultants, industry professionals, entrepreneurs and university students.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite having varied political and professional backgrounds, our members recognise the need for greater unity and positive change across the food and fibre system,\u201d Blake said.<\/p>\n
Conversations about agriculture can often become politically charged, but she said the organisation prides itself on maintaining a constructive and solutions-focused approach.<\/p>\n
Future Farmers NZ April Hui 2026: Daniel Judd, left, Jon Pemberton, moderator Eve McCallum and scientists Anna Earl and Nick Kirk.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are a non-partisan group. The conversations are curious, respectful and often challenging.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a lot of academics involved, which adds rigour to our discussions, while our farmers and growers bring practical experience. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere is always debate and a testing of ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alongside networking and professional development opportunities, Future Farmers NZ places a strong emphasis on collaboration.<\/p>\n
The organisation works alongside industry partners including AgriFutures, which helps introduce young people to careers in agriculture through practical, on-farm experiences.<\/p>\n
Future Farmers NZ co-chair Daniel Kenna, right, discussing the FFNZ Manifesto with an interested visitor at Fieldays.<\/p>\n
A major focus has been developing its manifesto, a living document that outlines key priorities for the future of New Zealand\u2019s food and fibre sector.<\/p>\n
The manifesto is built around seven themes the group believes are critical to creating a resilient and prosperous agricultural future: land use design and management, forestry and carbon credits, knowledge and education, farm management, hauora and wellbeing, supply chain and innovation, and markets and finance.<\/p>\n
Within each theme are recommendations aimed at encouraging discussion, innovation and long-term planning.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe manifesto is designed to spark conversations and help identify practical ways New Zealand can build a stronger and more resilient food future,\u201d Blake said.<\/p>\n
Over the coming months, Coast & Country News will explore several of these themes in greater depth with representatives from Future Farmers NZ.<\/p>\n