GDP of agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry New Zealand 2018-2023

The agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry is a major production and export industry in New Zealand. In the year ended March 2023, the gross domestic product (GDP) of this industry amounted to over 13.9 billion New Zealand dollars. 

 New Zealand agriculture 

Pastoral farming of sheep and cattle makes up a large portion of the New Zealand agriculture industry. New Zealand’s sheep population exceeded 25 million in 2022. Sheep meat and wool are both important agricultural commodities produced in the country. These products, along with beef and lamb, are consumed domestically as well as exported overseas. 

Horticulture production is also an important segment. A wide variety of fresh and processed fruit and vegetables are produced, consumed, and exported from New Zealand. The highest value of horticultural exports from New Zealand went to Asia in 2023.

Changing consumption habits

The consumption of beef and veal in New Zealand is projected to decrease over the next ten years. At the same time, global meat consumption is predicted to reduce significantly in the next 20 years, with meat replacements and alternatives filling the market. This presents both challenges and opportunities for New Zealand agriculture. The country’s agriculture industry is currently dependent on its meat exports; however, New Zealand’s innovation and ingenuity have the potential to produce world-class products in the plant-based and alternative meat market.