The central tenet of Dr. Rowarth’s argument is clear: maximizing the price of New Zealand’s dairy produce on the international market is paramount for the country’s economic well-being. She asserts that every dollar generated from dairy exports creates a remarkable multiplier effect, generating over seven times its value domestically and boosting employment by more than eight Full Time Equivalent positions. This powerful economic ripple effect underscores the sector’s profound contribution to national prosperity.

Quantifying this impact, the article reveals that New Zealand’s $27 billion in dairy export dollars translates into a substantial benefit for every single New Zealander. This direct financial injection significantly aids the government in achieving its ambitious goal of doubling export value, thereby securing vital funding for essential public services like healthcare, education, and critical infrastructure development. This positions milk production as a cornerstone of the nation’s fiscal strength.

Dr. Rowarth also addresses the intricacies of pricing, explaining that price fluctuations occur when supply outstrips demand, but stresses there is currently no glut in dairy products as global demand remains robust. She touches upon the complexities of supermarket pricing dynamics and the impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST). Crucially, she highlights that, unlike farmers in many other countries, New Zealand dairy farmers operate without government subsidies, making their export success even more remarkable and a pure reflection of market demand.