MIA Chief Executive Nick Beeby on Meat Industry Challenges and Cooperation
Meat Industry Association chief executive Nick Beeby says there’s now much closer cooperation between meat processing companies than there was many years ago.
New Zealand’s red meat sector has welcomed the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement taking effect, which removes India’s 33% tariff on New Zealand sheepmeat.
Meat Industry Association (MIA) independent chair Nathan Guy said the agreement gives exporters more options in a challenging global trading environment.
“Red meat exporters are operating in the face of rising protectionism and continued volatility. Broader market access like this helps diversify risk, strengthen resilience and provide greater stability for exporters,” Guy said.
“India is a market with significant long-term potential. Removing the tariff on sheepmeat from day one improves our competitive position and gives exporters a practical basis for building relationships and demand over time.”
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland said the agreement strengthens New Zealand’s position in a market with long-term promise.
“India is the world’s most populous country and is expected to become the third-largest economy in the coming years. As incomes rise, demand for high-quality natural protein from New Zealand is also expected to grow,” Acland said.
“The removal of the 33 per cent tariff on New Zealand sheepmeat is an important first step. It gives the red meat sector a foundation from which to develop the market as consumer demand grows.”
“Over time, the FTA should support greater market diversification, strengthen the red meat sector’s resilience and create more export opportunities for New Zealand,” she said.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.
Milk powder prices are continuing their merry run, firming up a potential $10/kgMS farmgate price this season.
Teachers are welcoming the outgoing Government’s U-turn allowing agriculture and horticultural science to remain a standalone Year 11 subject.
Outgoing ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron says Saturday’s election result reflects voters deeply impacted by the cost of living.
Another former Federated Farmers national president is heading to Parliament.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) independent director Murray Denyer is stepping down from the board after six years.

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