The latest Trade statistics released by Stats NZ show the Agricultural sector is effectively propping up the economy.

Despite one of the toughest seasons in living memory for many farmers, the latest figures in the Overseas Trade report show an overall rise of 9.6 percent in merchandise exports.

The rise was boosted mainly by exports in Dairy and Forestry, which were up 29 and 27 percent respectively.

Federated Farmers Economics Spokesperson Philip York says the figures show the importance of agriculture to our entire economy.

“We’ve got to be very careful we don’t get into a divisive thing, you know ‘them and us’.

"What these figures are actually showing is that we’re as important now to the economy as ever, if not more so."

From the top ten exports, Agriculture accounts for an amazing 74 percent of total earnings, or 20.9 billion of the 28.1 billion in receipts.

For the full report, head to the Statistics NZ website, here.