Biggest Budget ever for primary sector 

The development of the country's primary industries is getting the biggest innovation funds boost ever announced in a Budget.

The government has confirmed that $700 million of capital investment will go to the New Zealand Fast Forward Fund that was announced in March.

The fund's mandate is research, development and innovation in the future of New Zealand's pastoral and food industries.

Agriculture will also benefit from an additional $10.1 million to set up a national animal identification and tracing system and farm register.

The government will also give a further $13.2 million over four years to help operate the system.

Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton says the funds will ensure the future of the primary sector.

"These industries are the backbone of our economy and we need them to continue well into next century," he says.

Funds will also be directed to other primary industry areas such as the provision of extra trade training places for students wanting to get into the primary sector, and boosting trade negotiations capability.

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