Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, June 13, 2024
Under clear skies and with a sense of anticipation in the air, Fieldays 2024 officially opened yesterday, Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton.
As the largest agricultural event in Australasia, Fieldays is expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors over its four-day duration, till June 15, 2024.
The event was officially opened with a pōwhiri and the raising of flags, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Society’s Chair, Jenni Vernon, Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay, and Tumuaki o te Kiingitanga Hone Thompson.
Guests included representatives of Ngāti Hauā and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson and Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety Andrew Hoggard.
“We are thrilled to welcome everyone to the first day of Fieldays. This event is a testament to the industry, our partners, exhibitors and our visitors,” said Peter Nation, New Zealand National Fieldays Society Chief Executive.
Political Engagement
The event also sees significant political engagement every year, and this year is no different.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon addressed over 100 guests at the Fieldays Primary Leaders Luncheon, discussing rural banking issues, including high interest rates and lending difficulties. He announced a government inquiry to address these concerns. The luncheon also marked Fieldays’ new partnership with New Zealand Story’s FernMark Licence Programme.
Prime Minister Luxon addressed industry leaders, affirming the Government’s commitment to tackling inflation, measures that he believes will stimulate economic growth and benefit the food and fibre sector.
“We have massive ambition for growth,” Mr Luxon declared. “Our goal is to double both the number and value of our exports over the next decade. To achieve this, we will eliminate impractical and ineffective regulations that have hindered the sector for too long. The previous administration’s regulatory wave often worked at cross-purposes and was detrimental to farmers.”
In a move signalling substantial support for the agricultural community, the Government is expected to unveil a series of initiatives at Fieldays. These include increased funding for rural support and the resumption of live animal exports by sea, a key campaign promise.
Already, significant changes are underway.
The Government has scrapped low slope maps and winter grazing consents. Furthermore, in a decision announced yesterday, agriculture will be excluded from the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay defended the move, emphasising the efficiency and environmental responsibility of New Zealand’s farmers. “Our farmers are among the world’s most carbon-efficient food producers,” Mr McClay stated. “The Government is committed to meeting our climate change obligations without compromising the viability of Kiwi farms. It is counterproductive to shift jobs and production overseas to less carbon-efficient countries.”
Mr McClay also highlighted the Government’s focus on developing practical tools and technologies to help farmers reduce their emissions without decreasing production or exports. “Our strategy is to equip farmers with the means to lower their carbon footprint while maintaining their output and expanding their market reach,” he concluded.
As Fieldays continues, stakeholders eagerly anticipate further announcements that could shape the future of New Zealand’s agricultural landscape.
Investing in Solutions
The Government is investing further in Research and Development to develop practical tools to help lower on-farm emissions while protecting production.
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts said that the Government has committed $400 million over the next four years to accelerate the commercialisation of tools and technology to reduce on-farm emissions.
“As part of our commitment to the sector, we are scaling up funding for the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre where an additional $50.5 million will be invested over the next five years in projects to find solutions to reduce the sectors emissions. These projects include the development of a methane vaccine, a project to breed lower emissions cattle and accelerating the work on methane and nitrous oxide inhibitors.”
“These investments signal the Governments support for farmers while ensuring New Zealand meets its international climate change obligations,” Mr Watts said.
The National Party has also announced a new Rural Nats group at Fieldays, focusing on rural and agricultural issues. Led by MPs Barbara Kuriger, Mike Butterick, and Miles Anderson, the group aims to shape policies that benefit the rural community.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins is also set to attend on Friday, engaging with attendees and speaking at the new Advocacy Hub.
Rural Voices heard
The newly opened Rural Advocacy Hub, a collaboration between Fieldays and Federated Farmers, provides a platform for discussing sector challenges such as banking, emissions, methane targets, and freshwater rules.
Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay highlighted the need for a united voice to ensure practical decisions are made.
Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford noted the positive reception from farmers, with many engaging in organic conversations at the Hub.
The Hub includes Groundswell, Young Farmers, Rural Women, Future Farmers NZ, Food And Fibre Youth Network, Farmers Weekly, Ethical Employers, and the Fencing Contractors Association NZ.
Biggest International Contingent
Mr Nation shared his excitement, noting the impressive international presence this year. “This is one of the biggest international contingents I have seen,” Mr Nation remarked, highlighting the global appeal and significance of the event.
With more than 1,100 exhibitors, nearly all spaces are filled. Exhibitors are showcasing the latest in farm machinery, innovative technology, and engaging in competitive events such as tractor pulling and fencing.
The Innovation Hub, featuring the largest number of entries in a decade, highlights the event’s forward-looking focus. “It bodes really well for the industry when people are focused on solving problems like water quality and climate change,” Mr Nation said.
He emphasised the long-term benefits of such innovation, noting that meaningful connections made at Fieldays often lead to significant business opportunities.
Economic climate gloomy
Despite the vibrant atmosphere, there are underlying concerns about economic challenges facing the agricultural sector.
Mr Nation acknowledged that this year’s spending might dip, reflecting the financial strain on farmers. “We are certainly aware of the economic conditions in the marketplace. Record sales are probably not going to happen, but there will be sales, and we will see at the end of Fieldays what that looks like in real terms,” he stated.
Sheep farmers, in particular, are grappling with low prices, and while dairy prices are rising, profit margins remain tight. Nevertheless, the spirit of innovation is strong, with the Innovation Hub attracting the highest number of entries in a decade. “It bodes really well for the industry when people are focused on solving problems like water quality and climate change,” Mr Nation added.
As Fieldays 2024 continues, the fine weather is expected to hold for the next two days, with possible showers forecast for Friday and Saturday. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic and engaging event, showcasing the best of the agricultural industry amidst a backdrop of economic resilience and political engagement.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
