There has been a major boost to the beef and lamb industry.
The government has agreed to contribute up to $32.4 million to a new development project for the red meat sector.
Beef and Lamb New Zealand CEO Scott Champion says the funding will make up around half the costs of the programme, with the rest of the funding coming from the industry.
He says the project aims to boost the the industry over the next seven years, with the whole economy set to benefit.
Dr Champion says the sector is still the second biggest exporter in the country and is the backbone for many rural communities.
