23rd November 2023 Sustainability / Westpac
Westpac New Zealand has announced new emissions intensity targets for some agri-customers.
Rural-focused New Zealand is suffering from a downturn in commodity prices and the severe weather earlier in the year, however, the impacts are not being felt evenly, according to Westpac.
Agricultural commodity prices are expected to get worse, before they get better, according to Westpac’s latest Economic Overview report.
A difficult start to 2023 due to extreme weather and cost inflation will give way to a better half of the year for growers and farmers, according to Westpac.
The regions producing meat and dairy have fared well but those reliant on horticulture have seen mixed fortunes, according to Westpac.
Westpac has cut its 2022/23 milk price forecast to $8.75/kg, with larger than average falls also forecast for meat prices and a ‘mixed bag’ forecast for the horticultural sector over the coming six months.
Input prices for Kiwi exporters are also on the way down with costs like shipping container rates falling 40% compared to a year ago.
With agricultural incomes set to remain firm, regions with a food-producing rural backbone should continue to outperform their big city counterparts, according to Westpac’s latest Regional Roundup.
Rural areas have done well but the year ahead may not be so rosy for some growers, says the bank.
Strong global demand and restricted supply have resulted in sweet spot for NZ commodities pushing up prices and export volumes.
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