Boost for primary sector innovation 

Source: Greenpeace / John Cowpland

In what has been billed as a feature of the 2009 budget, Agriculture and Forestry minister David Carter announced the new Primary Growth Partnership (PGP).

With an annual contribution of up to $70m for primary sector innovation, the budget promises $190m over four years, to be matched, dollar for dollar by industry.

The partnership aims to boost productivity across the primary sector and provide a market driven focus for investment.

Carter describes the new PGP as "an enduring commitment by the Government to New Zealand's primary industries."

In February this year the government disestablished the Fast Forward Fund, set up the previous year under the Labour government. Labour's 2008 budget promised $700m to the fund for capital investment in the primary sector.

The Fast Forward Fund targeted research and development in New Zealand's pastoral and food industries. Government contributions were to be matched by pledges from industry, with the total pool expected to be around $2b.

Carter says the partnership "incorporates a transparent and accountable funding structure that is focused on results, not red tape."

What it includes:

The budget provides for $30m over the 2010/11 year, rising to $70m in 2012/13. Investment programmes will be funded 50:50 by industry and government.

Industries included are:
Pastoral (including wool) and arable production
Horticulture;
Seafood (including aquaculture);
Forestry and wood products; and
Food processing (e.g. nutriceuticals)

The process

An independent Investment Advisory Panel (IAP) is to be appointed by the minister of agriculture, to call for proposals. If successful these will be developed into full business plans by a steering group.

The IAP will then make recommendations to the ministry, and monitor and evaluate approved programmes on an ongoing basis.

Aquaculture and Fisheries

The budget allocated $1.9m over four years for the development of sustainable aquaculture, and a $4.2m boost for the provision of fisheries officers.