New Zealand farmers are the best in the world, the Prime Minister has told reporters at Fieldays.
The annual farming event kicked off on Wednesday at Mystery Creek.
It is the Southern Hemisphere's largest agricultural event, and this year it has a record number of exhibitors.
Christopher Luxon says: "I want the farmers to know they're deeply valued and deeply loved by this government."
"This is the backbone of the New Zealand economy, we are the best farmers in the world."
Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay earlier unveiled the government's $4 million boost to rural wellbeing.
McClay said everything they campaigned on will be delivered by the end of the term.
Here's what else happened at Fieldays;
- Energy Minister Simon Watts announced the government's new Solar on Farms initiative.
- Thick fog engulfed much of the expo in the early hours but weather had improved since gates opened.
- Tucked in checkered shirts, uniforms and company vests have been particularly prevalent today.
- Fieldays boss Richard Lindroos said the agricultural sector was feeling the weight of expectation to boost economic growth.
- Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford acknowleged tough conversations were needed on butter.
- A major tractor seller said businesses were already feeling an uptick in sales after the government's new tax incentive for farm machinery.
- AgriZero New Zealand said market drivers for emissions reduction were as powerful as ever.
- Four Square brought its first-ever large format pop-up store to Fieldays.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and minister Todd McClay speak to reporters at Fieldays. Photo: RNZ / Alexa Cook
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