Back FTA talk with action – Oz farmers

The National Farmers Federation says such trade deals would benefit the entire agricultural industry and need to be a priority.

 “Senior government ministers [have talked about] trade in the last week or so, and while it’s good to hear them talking, farmers need action to back up the words,” NFF president Duncan Fraser says.

“We and our members are becoming increasingly concerned that our competitors are gaining advantages over Australian farmers in key markets such as Korea and Japan. We are urging the Government to make sure Australian farmers are paramount when these deals are negotiated.

“We believe trade agreements are beneficial for agriculture and should be progressed. There is a general understanding that Australia can play an important part in supplying food and fibre to growing Asian markets, but we can do this only if we reach comprehensive agreements and commercially driven outcomes,” Fraser says.

Since its election victory two months ago, Prime Minister Tony Abbot’s Liberal/National Coalition has stepped up negotiations with China, Japan and South Korea. Japan privately is keen to get the jump on its Asian competitors.

Recently Abbott met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Brunei.  Abbott is said to have emerged from those talks describing Japan as Australia’s best friend in Asia.

Japan places import tariffs as high as 800% on beef and rice, while the tariff on cars imported into Australia is just 5%.

But the NFF has cautioned against signing a deal at any cost.

“Critically, any free trade agreement with China – like those in negotiations with Japan and Korea – must take a holistic view of Australian agriculture and not leave key agricultural commodities out,” says Fraser.

Fraser’s comments come as a report currently being finalised by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) examines the implications of recently implemented trade agreements. The report suggests that Australian agriculture is disadvantaged by bilateral deals completed by some of Australia’s neighbours.

“The RIRDC report acknowledges what Australian farmers have known for years – that we continue to do our best, but we are up against agreements that put us at a disadvantage. This cannot continue; we need Government to play its part and negotiate hard for.”

Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss says agriculture will be at the centre of free trade agreement negotiations with key export partners.