Tuesday, 20 January 2026 10:52

FTA woes

Written by Milking It

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: Another example of the dairy sector getting shortchanged in free trade deals?

At Open Country Dairy's new butter plant opening last month, company chair Laurie Margrain had a swipe at the Government.

He told suppliers and industry leaders at the plant opening that the EU free trade deal has a bucket quota.

"And our $50 million investment has been locked out of that for the next few years because the quota's been based upon what we sold to Europe in the previous three years. So, we didn't have a butter plant.

"Now we've got a butter plant, a $50 million butter plant, and we can't sell to Europe."

Read More:

More like this

Editorial: Now the Hard Work Begins

Editorial: Now the Hard Work Begins

OPINION: After much wrangling, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and India is a step closer to fruition.

Māori Leaders Back NZ–India FTA but Warn Benefits Are Uneven

Māori Leaders Back NZ–India FTA but Warn Benefits Are Uneven

Now it's signed, make it work.

Historic NZ–India FTA signed, boosting forestry, meat and wool exports

A lavish signing ceremony in Delhi has cemented in place a deal that will have massive economic benefits for some of NZ's key primary exports - notably forestry, horticulture, sheepmeat and wool.

NZ Signs Historic India Free Trade Agreement

New Zealand and India have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) described as a once-in-a-generation deal.

Conservative Party Says NZ–India FTA Risks Undermining Local Workforce

The Conservative Party warns that the upcoming free trade agreement between New Zealand and India may prioritise increased labour mobility while offering limited reassurance for New Zealand workers.

Popular Reads

Massey Ferguson Unveils New Tractors at Fieldays

Long-term exhibitor at Fieldays, AGCO and its Massey Ferguson brand, have several new products on display.

Waikato Farmer Fined $56,000 Over Effluent Discharges

South Waikato farmer David Christensen was convicted and fined $56,000 for two unlawful discharges of dairy effluent following a prosecution taken…

Federated Farmers Push to Cut Costly Vet Drug Waste on Dairy Farms

Animal welfare improvements as well as reduced costs for dairy farmers are at the heart of a new move which…

Hawke's Bay Needs Water, and the Numbers Prove It

OPINION: New economic modelling confirms what many of us in Hawke's Bay have long understood - getting water security right…

Mainland Poultry Confirms New Ownership as PEP Gateway Joins Navis

Mainland Poultry has confirmed new ownership of its vertically integrated agribusiness with Pacific Equity Partners Gateway (PEP Gateway) now joining…

Featured

Native Forest Champions Honoured at Fieldays 2026

Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today congratulated the winners of the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards at Fieldays.

Government Backs NZ Young Farmers Clubs Nationwide

The Government has announced $60,000 to provide one-off grants of $1,000 to each of the 60 New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) clubs across the country.

Rural Industry Leaders Event Raises $400,000

New Zealand’s rural sector has once again demonstrated its generosity, with the second Rural Industry Leaders Dinner, Debate and Auction raising an impressive $400,000 for the Rural Support Trust.

Third Candidate Confirmed for Feds President Election

There has been another twist to the Federated Farmers annual election fiasco.

Good Farming Practices Proven to Reduce Nutrient Losses and Improve Water Quality

Analysis of decades of research has revealed the implementation of good farming practices plays a critical role in reducing nutrient losses to improve freshwater outcomes.

Responsible Dairy Programme Receives $45.85 Million Boost for Sector Growth

Yesterday the Government used the opening of Fieldays to announce a major investment, as part of its Land Use Flexibility package, to support a more productive and sustainable future across six sectors including dairy.

National

Waikato Farmer Fined $56,000 Over Effluent Discharges

South Waikato farmer David Christensen was convicted and fined $56,000 for two unlawful discharges of dairy effluent following a prosecution taken…

Dairy Farm Operators Fined $66,500 Over Effluent Breaches

A contract milker and a dairy farm owner have been convicted and fined a combined $66,500 for the unlawful discharge of dairy shed effluent and stockfeed leachate into the…

Fieldays 2026: ACC Highlights Farm Injury Prevention

ACC says that this week's Fieldays is a great chance for farmers to pause and reflect on their processes and…

Westmorland Estate Celebrates Team Success in Dairy

Westmorland Estate Ltd, a Waikato company running three dairy farms, runs on the philosophy that 'you are only as good…

Federated Farmers Release 2026 Election Platform

With the general election just molnths away, farmers have launched a five-point plan for the next government.

Machinery & Products

Valtra Reaches 1000th CVT Transmission Milestone

AGCO’s Valtra brand has announced a production milestone at its Suolahti, Finland, factory with the completion of the 1000th AGCO…

John Deere Secures Record 20-Harvester Deal

The old saying is ‘go big or go home’, which appears to be something that German contracting business Kohl Harvest…

Quicke Expands Wrapped Bale Handling Range

Already well known as a leading manufacturer of front-end loaders and having developed the first quick detach loader nearly 60…

Massey Ferguson Unveils New Tractors at Fieldays

Long-term exhibitor at Fieldays, AGCO and its Massey Ferguson brand, have several new products on display.

Resolution Farm Software Expands Through Farmer Word-Of-Mouth Growth

Word of mouth recommendations among farmers are contributing to strong growth for farm management software company Resolution, with thousands of…

» Latest Print Issues Online

dairynewscover

ruralnewscover

winegrowercover

Milking It

Too Lenient

OPINION: Reckless action by Greenpeace in 2024 forced Fonterra to shut down a drying plant for four hours, costing the co-op…

Fossil Fuel Crusade

OPINION: The global crusade against fossil fuel is gaining momentum in some regions.

» eNewsletter