We know agribusiness

We have been deeply integrated in the New Zealand primary industries for fifteen years.

Technological advances which have enabled evolving farming and food production practices have also led to differing people requirements within our industry.

Our goal is to be fully in touch with this changing landscape, enabling correct and appropriate people placement – for now and in the future.

AgRecruit has touch points across the following sectors:

Man in field with tablet

Agribusiness Corporate Farmers

Many of New Zealand’s largest and most sophisticated businesses are involved in farming, forestry, orcharding and market gardening, making significant contributions to the economy and providing employment at all career levels.

These industries are leading our country’s recovery from Covid-19 with forestry export revenue predicted to reach $6.4 billion in the year to June 2022. Horticulture export revenue is expected to increase 2% to $6.8 million in 2022 and the forecast for dairy exports is a 7.2% increase to $20.4 billion, for the year ended June 2022.

These corporate businesses are often leaders in the use of technology, having   strong commitments to continually meeting the highest standards of sustainability, food safety and  the health and safety of their staff.

Like AgRecruit, the boards and management of these companies recognise that their greatest assets are dedicated, talented employees who not only understand agri-business, but are passionate about the land’s sustainability.

Agritech

Innovation is key to the success of agriculture and horticulture in New Zealand. From the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers, this country’s isolation, unique landscape and climate challenges have been the catalyst for the development of new technologies.

Today our agricultural and horticultural industries are using and developing world leading technologies which include phone apps to improve orchard & farm management and safety, robotic packers, AI assisted orchard management tools, solar powered animal management technology and precision farming equipment, designed to combat climate change, meet mandated changing farming practices, improve productivity and profitability, and aid market access compliance.

AgRecruit applauds government support for this crucial sector through the establishment in 2020 of the Industry Transformation Plan, which aims to accelerate its growth, attract investment and increase commercialisation of New Zealand agritech intellectual property.

robot pickers

Animal Health

Animal health is a sophisticated and rapidly evolving industry sector with scientific and technological advances ensuring farm animals and pets are better cared for than ever.

The AgRecruit team keeps up to date with the development of smart technologies, including mobile apps and ‘smart’ ear tags and  collars to enable close monitoring of livestock for the early detection of illness or diseases, enabling early treatment with  effective, targeted veterinary medicines and vaccines.

Strict border biosecurity measures and surveillance of global diseases are designed to keep out unwanted animal pests and diseases which can result in infestations causing illness or death in animals.

The aim of New Zealand’s animal health industry is to help farmers produce zero or minimum residue food for international human consumption, whilst maintaining a high standard of health and welfare for animals and the people who work with them.  

 

Crop Protection

Crop protection is rapidly evolving as agri-chemical companies merge and change their focus and products to meet the challenges of consumer demands for sustainably grown foods, climate change and increasingly strict environmental regulations implemented by importing and exporting countries.

Mergers and acquisitions have seen seven big multinationals emerge as the industry leaders:  Syngenta Group (pesticide business), Bayer, BASF, Corteva, FMC, UPL, and Sumitomo Chemical.

Today’s protection of crops from pests and diseases is multi-faceted and includes plant resistance, improved cropping and cultivation practices, the conservation and introduction of antagonistic organisms, such as parasites and predators of pests, and monitoring to assess the need for active interventions through the application of chemically  or biologically-based pesticides.

In New Zealand the AgRecruit team applauds collaboration across the horticulture, arable and wine sectors to establish ‘A Lighter Touch: Agroecological crop protection to meet future consumer demands’, supported by the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Programme.  A Lighter Touch is an exciting stepping-stone towards a less chemical dependent future.

Drone sprayer

Grain and Seed

Grain and seed industries are significant players in New Zealand’s economy, in recent years earning $70m annually from seed exports and producing 950,000 tonnes of barley, wheat, maize and oats; 350,000 tonnes of grain for human consumption and 600,000 tonnes for animal feed.

New Zealand bred pasture species including ryegrass, tall fescue and clover are in demand by New Zealand and international farmers and the production and exports of vegetable seeds to Asia is growing rapidly.

AgRecruit recognises the significant investment these industries make into research and development of plant species, crop protection and harvesting and the vital role they play in supplying the raw ingredients for both human and animal foods.

Farm and Orchard Management

Land ownership and management is rapidly changing in New Zealand with a growth in the number and size of corporate dairy, dry stock and horticultural operations. There is also an increase in equity partnerships, share farming and leasing arrangements as steps to eventual farm ownership.

A number of factors are influencing these changes, including the rising cost of land, the need for greater efficiencies and meeting environmental compliance standards. The AgRecruit team is aware that these changes bring opportunities to enhance the production of the highest quality foods and fibres through economies of scale and by investment in the latest technologies.  

 

Manufacturing and Post-harvest

Continuing innovation in the post-harvest and manufacturing sectors of our primary industries, from sea food to fruit and vegetables, to dairy products, meat, wines, beer and beverages add value and enhance this country’s reputation as a producer of high-quality, low residue foods.

Manufacturing accounts for more than 60% of New Zealand’s exports, worth $9.4 billion in the March 2020 quarter. Added value products from the primary industries – food, fibre and forestry, account for more than 80% of those exports.

The AgRecruit team keeps abreast of what’s happening in the industry, including technological advances, (automation in particular), which are improving efficiencies and helping overcome labour supply issues.

Māori Agribusiness

Māori agri-business is a rapidly growing and increasingly important part of New Zealand’s primary sector. Māori own $13 billion in primary sector assets, enabling 30% of all beef and lamb production, and Māori horticulture has grown 300% in 12 years.

AgRecruit recognises that land (whenua) is taonga tuku iho (cultural property, heritage) and of special importance to Māori who regard it as our whakapūmautanga (legacy for the future).

Alongside Māori values of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, intergenerational wealth creation and cultural revitalisation, Māori agri-business is also driving entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability in primary production, and creating premium products.