Higher volumes of exports resulting from last year's favourable production season boosted primary sector revenue over the past quarter.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) report of production and trade statistics says primary sector export revenue at $7.12 billion for the quarter was up 4.7 per cent on the previous
September quarter, and at $32.43 billion for the year to September was up 0.5 per cent on the previous year.
"This was despite difficult trading conditions and a stronger New Zealand dollar," said MPI economic information and analysis manager Chris Jones.
"The result was mostly driven by higher meat and dairy volumes, as exporters sought to reduce stocks generated by the bumper production season."
Dairy export revenue was up 10.4 per cent for the quarter, due to a 36 per cent volume increase - largely from the 2011/12 season.