New Zealand primary exporters urged to stay nimble
Be ready to be nimble. That's the message to New Zealand primary exporters from international trade expert, company director and farmer Mike Petersen.
The recent deal struck between the UK and EU over Brexit is indirectly good news for New Zealand.
That’s the view of Mike Petersen, NZ’s special agricultural trade envoy, who’s been in Europe meeting with various people involved in the Brexit process.
Petersen told Rural News of a significant deal. He says it is progress and covers three major sticking points: the agreement on a ‘soft’ border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland, the UK’s financial settlement for leaving the EU and the rights of citizens living within the two jurisdictions.
But Petersen says the issue that particularly interests NZ, tariff rated quotas (TRQs) for lamb, was not discussed.
“In reality it was always out on a limb anyway and unfortunately that issue is still going to have to be addressed. That is the disappointing aspect of it, but to be honest I wouldn’t have expected it to be in their discussions.”
Petersen says other more pressing issues – such as the Irish border – needed to be resolved. The good news now is that the deal has prevented a ‘no deal’ between the two parties, which was touted as a possibility. Peterson believes with this deal the EU and the UK can work on their future relationship and the issue of the TRQs could be part of that. In respect of the Republic of Ireland, Petersen says there are major issues still to be resolved on trade with the UK. He notes that, for example, 70% of the cheddar cheese used in the UK comes from Ireland.
“Ireland’s reliance on the UK is significantly greater in proportion than NZ’s reliance on the UK.”
Petersen says that while visiting Europe to advocate for NZ’s agri food sector he’s made a point of encouraging ministers, officials and lobby groups to come to NZ.
He doesn’t think NZ has all the answers, but thinks it is important for UK officials to get out and see the world from a different perspective and see the lessons we learned from our reforms and what could be applicable for them in the UK .
“At the moment, Brexit is like living in cardboard box and they are becoming so consumed with the Brexit issues that it is hard for them to focus on the bigger picture.”
Petersen says next year there will be a steady stream of visitors from the UK and Europe coming to NZ and he also has plans to go to Europe himself.
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…