The Government Agriculture Ministers have started their national woolshed roadshow, kicking off in the Wairarapa today, Monday, April 8.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says it has been a tough time for farmers over the past few years.

The sector has faced high domestic inflation rates, high interest rates, adverse weather events, and increasing farm input costs.

“The immediate priority for the Government is relieving the pressure that farmers have been feeling coming from the unworkable central government policies. That is why we are getting out on the road to hear directly from farmers," says McClay.

“The sector makes a critically important contribution to the fabric of our rural and regional communities.

"New Zealand’s food and fibre sector is the backbone of our economy, contributing over 80 per cent of our goods exports to feed an estimated 40 million people worldwide. A strong and thriving agricultural sector is crucial to the New Zealand economy."

Associate Agriculture Minister Hoggard says addressing unworkable and overly prescriptive regulation, so that farmers can focus on being the most efficient food and fibre producers in the world, is a priority. 

“These meetings will be a great opportunity to talk directly with farmers about issues affecting them the most. I understand the importance of listening and staying connected to rural communities, as it helps government determine the direction of travel,” says Hoggard.

Associate Agriculture and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says that under his delegation as Minister responsible for wool he is working with farmers to rebuild the wool industry into a stronger and more resilient industry.

"Sheep farmers are facing a particularly hard time with the oversupply of Australian lamb flooding the market and driving prices down," says Patterson.

"Sheep farmers have long been the backbone of New Zealand’s farming communities and we need to get in behind and support them.

“It has been a tough season for farmers, so we will be engaging with people from Northland to Southland meeting in woolsheds to discuss grassroots solutions."

The full schedule is below. The exact time and locations will be confirmed and advertised. More dates and locations to be added.