This episode featured as part of the Agronomy segment in partnership with PGG Wrightson.

The government has pledged to work alongside the arable sector and tackle its challenges head-on, after a forum this week brought growers, industry and officials together. Associate Minister of Agriculture Mike Butterick says the sector is too often taken for granted.

“Without an arable farmer, you’re not going to produce a litre of milk or grow a kilo of lamb chops,” he says.

The forum flagged red tape, market access and recognition of local grain as priorities. Butterick says the government will not let the sector drift.

“We’ve got to front-foot it because sure as eggs there will be some opportunities out there.”

This episode featured as part of the Agronomy segment in partnership with PGG Wrightson. Make sure to contact PGG Wrightson to plan your crop and pasture requirements. You can find your local Technical Field Representative or store team at https://store.pggwrightson.co.nz/find-your-store

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch/listen or download the CountryWide CONNECT mobile app, available on Apple iOS and Android.