On Monday Prime Minister John Key announced his new cabinet.

David Carter, Agriculture Minister for the past three years, has kept his portfolio which includes Biosecurity and Forestry.

But he has a new title – Minister for Primary Industries – now including Fisheries and Aquaculture, which were part of former Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley’s portfolio.

Nathan Guy has been appointed as his Associate Minister.

Federated Farmers President, Bruce Wills, immediately issued a media release titled ‘David’s Back’, in which he said he was ‘more than pleased’ to see David Carter appointed to the super ministry.

Mr Wills said ‘having Mr Carter back will provide a vital continuity from the old MAF’.

‘It’s very much a case of ‘David’s Back’ but with a new super ministry’ he said.

Prior to the election Federated Farmers lobbied hard for the super ministry and Mr Wills is pleased with outcome.

He said the fact that Federated Farmers ‘called for and got’ a Ministry for Primary Industries is significant.

Having the word ‘for’ in the title defines it as an active partner which will help build capacity and capability right across New Zealand’s world beating agricultural system.