12 June 2024

Fieldays secures FernMark accreditation

Fieldays is now backed by the coveted New Zealand Story’s FernMark Licence Programme boosting its international reputation as an important and authentic New Zealand business.

Announced today at the Fieldays Primary Leaders Luncheon, the government-backed accreditation was designed to help New Zealand businesses stand out in global markets by identifying that they contribute to the essence of the New Zealand story.

Since its inception in 1968, Fieldays has played a leading role in the development of agriculture and New Zealand's economy. A proud heritage and legacy have been built by the many people who have supported and volunteered with the organisation since it began.  

New Zealand National Fieldays Society Chief Executive Peter Nation speaks of what securing this accreditation means for Fieldays. "For many years, the Fieldays event has grown in stature across the world. Famous for staging world-class innovation and technology, exposing homegrown New Zealand companies to world markets, and staging important networking and international relationships, Fieldays has a reputation for quality, scale, and tradition. Annually, it is the event to renew relationships and partnerships and create new opportunities”.

“Together with New Zealand Story, we can further accelerate our brand, reputation and valued customers onto the world stage, showing that although we’re a small country, we have the innovations and ideas to showcase on the world stage,” says Peter.

“It’s fantastic to see Fieldays becoming the first event of its kind to receive a FernMark Licence. Fieldays isn’t just a national institution – it also reaches diverse international audiences – so aligning with the FernMark is a testament to its role in showcasing our innovation in the sector. Fieldays underscores the ingenuity, authenticity, and quality that our country is renowned for – the FernMark was the perfect fit,” said David Downs, CEO, New Zealand Story.

Fieldays is a cornerstone event for the New Zealand agricultural industry. It provides a platform for businesses to come together and showcase their offerings to over 100,000 visitors each year.

Delegations travel from all corners of the globe to attend this iconic event and connect and build relationships with up-and-coming innovators and exporters.

On-site, the New Zealand International Business Centre provides a hub for exclusive networking opportunities and assistance for businesses to expand both nationally and globally. The Centre facilitates B2B meetings and educational seminars leveraging the expertise of its supporters and government agencies to enable exhibitors and international visitors to navigate regulatory landscapes and access incentives and support mechanisms.

This partnership between Fieldays and the FernMark Licence Programme will give businesses involved with Fieldays another toolbox item to assist with these discussions.

Fieldays attracts exhibitors who have also proved worthy of the FernMark licence, such as Zespri, Greenlea Meats, Betacraft, Stallion Ltd, Anchor, AgriSea NZ Seaweed Limited, and more.

"This accreditation now puts the Fieldays brand alongside our valued and iconic export customers. We are proud of this association, which represents the best New Zealand food and fibre suppliers globally", says Peter.

Having always had a strong international presence, Fieldays' association with the New Zealand Story brand will increase its reach and showcase the country globally.