Market
Dried peas in New Zealand are supplied as a stored pulse commodity and as locally processed pulse fractions such as split peas and pea flour. Commercial growing and processing activity is strongly associated with Canterbury arable systems, with both dryland and irrigated production described by industry suppliers. New Zealand participates in international trade for dried shelled peas (HS 071310), with exports recorded to multiple overseas destinations. For any imports into New Zealand, market access is strongly shaped by MPI biosecurity import health standards and (where applicable) food safety clearance under the Food Act and FSANZ food standards.
Market RoleProducer and exporter
Domestic RoleArable pulse crop supplying domestic pulse processors and animal feed markets, alongside retail packaged pulses
Risks
Biosecurity HighNew Zealand enforces strict MPI import health standards for plant products; dried pea consignments that do not meet IHS requirements or arrive contaminated (for example with live organisms) can be delayed and may be directed to treatment, re-export, or destruction, with costs typically borne by the importer.Use MPI PIER Search to confirm the exact IHS entry conditions for the commodity and origin before contracting; secure any required phytosanitary/treatment/manufacturer documents pre-shipment and plan contingency for approved transitional facility handling if directed.
Plant Health MediumField pea production can be affected by crop disease pressures; industry materials for New Zealand field peas highlight management considerations such as powdery mildew tolerance and avoiding paddocks with high aphanomyces root rot risk, which can impact yield and grain quality.Apply disease-risk screening and agronomy controls (paddock history, variety choice, and rotation planning) and align quality specifications with processor/buyer requirements.
Logistics MediumSea-freight volatility and container constraints can affect shipment timing and landed cost for dried peas and split/pea flour exports, and can also raise costs for any imports into New Zealand.Build freight buffers into contracts, secure forward bookings where feasible, and use moisture-control container practices (dry containers/liners) to reduce in-transit quality claims.
Food Safety MediumStored pulses can face food safety risks related to contaminants/residues and storage-related quality deterioration (mould/insect contamination) if moisture control and hygiene are weak, which can trigger clearance actions or buyer rejections.Maintain moisture control, pest management, and sanitation in storage/processing; verify compliance with FSANZ food standards and buyer contaminant/residue expectations with testing and documented controls.
Climate MediumArable cropping outputs (including peas) in Canterbury can be sensitive to adverse weather conditions; production variability can reduce exportable surplus and disrupt contracted supply programs.Diversify sourcing within New Zealand arable regions and maintain inventory buffers where feasible for contract fulfilment.
Sustainability- Irrigation water stewardship considerations in Canterbury Plains pulse production where irrigation is used
- Soil health and crop-rotation management in pulse-based arable systems (erosion/structure and long-term productivity considerations)
Labor & Social- Worker safety risk in bulk grain handling and confined spaces (e.g., grain silo entry and auger lockout) requires robust health-and-safety controls, training, and contractor management
Standards- GFSI-recognized food safety certification (e.g., BRCGS, FSSC 22000) is commonly requested by buyers for packaged pulses and pulse ingredients
- HACCP-based controls for cleaning, splitting, and milling operations
FAQ
What does MPI typically require to import dried peas for human consumption into New Zealand?Importers must check and comply with MPI biosecurity requirements in the relevant import health standard (IHS) for the commodity and origin, and lodge the import entry with supporting documents through the Trade Single Window (TSW). Depending on the IHS, a phytosanitary certificate and/or treatment or manufacturer documentation may be required, and MPI may inspect or direct sampling/testing for food safety clearance.
Is New Zealand an exporter of dried shelled peas?Yes. Trade data for HS 071310 (dried peas, shelled) shows exports from New Zealand to multiple destinations, including markets such as the United States, Thailand, Japan, and China.
What happens if a dried pea consignment does not meet MPI import health standard requirements?MPI may withhold clearance and can direct actions such as treatment by an approved provider at a transitional facility, re-export to another destination, or destruction of the consignment, depending on the non-compliance or contamination issue.