New Zealand Proves Innovation Beats Need for Ag Subsidies

Visiting New Zealand Nuffield Farm Scholar Natasha King works for a natural energy company. She has been impressed during her visit in the U.S. with the innovation she has seen throughout her travels.

She credits the removal of New Zealand farm subsidies being the catalyst to more innovation.

King: “I’m big on innovation and I recognize that there subsidies that have been applied around the world -- the subsidies were removed in 1984 in New Zealand and its the fact that in the dairy industry those subsidies were removed is why New Zealand is so good at what we do when it comes to innovating on the farm.”

She shares that she was 11 when New Zealand ended their 30 different subsidy programs to farmers in 1984. She said that it certainly wasn’t easy at first, it did made an overall positive difference for NZ ag.

King: “You don’t get that cutting edge of production unless you are suffering -- it is survival versus innovation. So as soon as you put yourself under that much pressure, it is not always pleasant but we all know we evolve and we get to a better place. It is no any different than a person under emotional stress -- once you are under it and get through it, you are a better person. I know that they have to do the tough yards to start but they will be better farmers for generations.”