Friday, 08 April 2016 09:55

Guy attending OECD ag conference

Written by 
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy. Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy departed for Paris yesterday on Wednesday for the OECD's Committee of Agriculture Ministerial meeting.

The meeting on April 7 and 8 brings together the Ministers of Agriculture from OECD countries and partner economies to discuss policies to achieve more productive, sustainable and resilient global food systems.

"New Zealand has a special interest in highlighting the role that open and efficient markets play in helping agriculture to sustainably meet global food demands. Substantial reductions in subsidies, opening up of markets, and more efficient use of resources are all important," says Guy.

"The outcome of the meeting will provide the broad direction for the OECD's agricultural research programme and policy advice for the next 5-10 years."

In addition to taking part in Ministerial discussions, Guy will also facilitate a group discussion and speak at the Ministerial dinner.

Guy's visit will also focus on progressing a free-trade agreement with the European Union. He will be meeting in Paris with counterparts from a number of EU Member States, and will then travel to Germany for meetings with agriculture sector representatives.

"The EU is a key bilateral partner, and building a comprehensive partnership that includes a free trade agreement is a longstanding objective for New Zealand.

"This visit is an opportunity to continue to build understanding of New Zealand's role in international agricultural trade and investment, and the mutual benefits of a potential FTA for sectors and agri-businesses in both the EU and New Zealand."

The EU is New Zealand's third-largest trading partner, with two-way trade valued at $19.6 billion in goods and services in the year to June 2015.

"The benefits of an EU-NZ FTA would include establishing a modern, comprehensive foundation to grow economic and trade opportunities in areas ranging from primary products to capital equipment, manufactured goods, services, innovation and investment.

"It would also level the playing field for New Zealand and EU companies operating in each other's markets, and contribute to a diversified range of markets and sources of investment for New Zealand."

Guy returns to New Zealand on April 13.

More like this

Bikinis in cowshed

OPINION: An animal activist organisation is calling for an investigation into the use of dairy cows in sexuallly explicit content posted on social media and adult entertainment subscription site OnlyFans.

Featured

'One more push' to eliminate FE

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.

Winston Peters questions Fonterra divestment plan

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Quid prod quo?

OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…

Deadwood

OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter