>Even New Zealand can't compete with pork from the 3rd world- not least because intensive pork farming is unaffected by climate and because external producers don't apply the quality and workforce protections required in the first world. Either the sector is conceded to the cheaper foreign producers or something has to change to justify more expensive local produce. Simple as that. Even if you can encourage the public to prefer local produce, sensible shoppers are trying to stretch their grocery $ and can't help being attracted to the 2-for-$5 cheaper brand at the supermarket.

I have a local stand where I shop for most of my produce. No one, not Costco, not Wal-mart, not local grocery can match their quality or price. Agriculture can and would be vastly more competitive without governmental interference. The burden of over-regulation, fees, infringement on property and water rights has crippled the small farm. Even with these problems my local produce stand has carved out a niche of exceptional value. I completely disagree with your premise that no one can compete with the third world in farming for the same reasons I stated before...sun, soil, seasons.