The Arable (grains and seeds) industry supports the livestock industries, high-value seeds development and production, and the food industry. The New Zealand arable sector produces grains, such as wheat, barley, oats and maize, for mainly domestic consumption or as feed for livestock. As such, the arable sector supports a number of other exporting sectors.

​New Zealand also produces high-quality herb and vegetable seeds for export. In 2011, direct sales of grains and seeds amounted to $868 million contributing
​$959 million to GDP and downstream contribution to GDP through pasture improvement was $3.2 billion.

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For the arable industry, some of the main changes over the next 10 years are expected to include continued strong growth in overseas demand for seeds and specialist flour-based products, along with a growth in demand for new plant-based protein products as blends or alternatives to animal proteins.

Occupations expected to be in demand: ​​

• support and sales workers,
• factory process workers,
• non-farm managers, and
• food-trade workers.

Qualifications most in demand are likely to be in the: ​

• Engineering
• Management
• Commerce fields of study

2011                                                                                                          2025
- $868 million from direct sales of seeds and grains
- 19,500 employed (7,000 qualified)                                             - 24,200 expected to be employed (12,300 qualified)

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