The primary export sector says there are challenges afoot - despite record highs.

The sector accounted for $46.4 billion worth of exports, out of a total $58 billion in the year to June.

Dairy and the Horticulture industry both saw export revenue up.

Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman told Mike Hosking they have challenges coming with the environment, and climate change.

He says the new government provisions coming are going to be difficult to manage.

Dairy companies' association executive director Malcolm Bailey says it's a sector that's hugely important to New Zealand.

He says it's important there are sectors like dairy that continue to grow and help the economy.

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