Govt funds feasibility study for grower-led McCain site purchase

The Government has committed $50,000 for Hawke's Bay growers to investigate purchasing the closed McCain Foods processing site in Hastings.

Reviewed by Rakai 25 June 2026

The Government is funding a feasibility study to investigate a farmer-led purchase of the McCain Foods vegetable processing site in Hastings.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced $50,000 for the first stage of a feasibility study into the grower-led purchase. More than 100 Hawke's Bay growers have been impacted by the site's closure.

McClay met with growers, local MPs Katie Nimon, Catherine Wedd and Minister Mike Butterick, and mayors from the region. Ministry for Primary Industries officials visited Hawke's Bay to speak to those on-the-ground and gather information.