Ireland and New Zealand (NZ)operate in many of the same global markets selling agri produce – will the recent trade deal between NZ and the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries, give you an edge?

This deal, which is still undergoing the ratification process, would be a huge benefit to New Zealand in its trade with many of the other members.

You were the NZ trade commissioner to South America prior to taking up this position. What similarities and differences have you observed across the different countries?

A common love of the land is the greatest similarity. I consider NZ to be the most open country in terms of trade where market prices alone dictate farmer behaviour (a reference to the absence of government support for farming in NZ). Perhaps the South American countries have a much more protective approach to agriculture.

Will Brexit be an opportunity for New Zealand to do more business?

In everything there is an opportunity. Farmers will have to go through a certain amount of change with new legislation and legal requirements and New Zealand has technology companies based in the UK that will be able to assist with that.

What are your views on a trade deal with the UK after Brexit?

The priority at the moment is negotiating a free-trade agreement (FTA) with the EU and of course the Brexit negotiations preclude the UK negotiating a FTA with New Zealand, but in the longer term it would be of benefit to both the UK and NZ to have an FTA.

What about increasing Chinese investment in New Zealand. Is that of any concern?

New Zealand has recently changed rules in relation to foreign ownership of land, with anyone from outside NZ required to go through the overseas investment office in NZ which decides if the investment is in its interests.

Chinese companies have invested in NZ farms and what NZ is looking for in this is investment that grows NZ, creates jobs and gives access to capital that allows NZ to develop.

Has New Zealand reached the limit of its agricultural production capability. Is the future consolidation or further expansion?

We cannot create more land but there is strong global demand for NZ lamb and NZ dairy in particular.

What NZ is focusing on and is very good at is developing technology that drives efficiency in production. NZ farmers will farm smarter, not harder – it is all about efficiency and productivity.

What is the mood of NZ farmers at present?

I am not the best person to answer that as I have been away from NZ for so long.

However, when in South America before taking up this position, I had the opportunity to meet with a group of farmers that were visiting Brazil. I put that question to them and there is indeed a buoyancy among farmers as they are seeing the gains from technology coming through, which also bodes well for the future.