Thursday, 25 January 2018 11:55

Sheep and beef sector welcomes trade deal

Written by 
Tim Ritchie, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association. Tim Ritchie, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association.

Farmers and meat processors are welcoming the conclusion of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) negotiations in Tokyo.

During the recent negotiations, officials resolved the outstanding issues and have agreed to meet in Chile to sign the agreement on March 8.

Sam McIvor, chief executive of B+LNZ, says the conclusion of the agreement represents good news for sheep and beef farmers and all New Zealanders.

“The sector understands there have been no changes to the original market access conditions which will open multiple markets in Japan, Mexico, Peru and Canada where New Zealand red meat faces tariffs of up to 50%.

“It will also benefit communities in New Zealand as exports from the sector support 80,000 jobs and families across New Zealand."

Tim Ritchie, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association, says the CPTPP will put New Zealand on a level playing field with other major red meat exporters to the Asia Pacific region, such as Australia and the European Union – especially in Japan where the sector has already lost significant market share.

“B+LNZ and MIA thank Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Trade Minister David Parker, and the numerous officials who have worked hard to conclude the negotiations,” he says.

More like this

New CEO for meat board

Nick Beeby has been appointed as the new chief executive of the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).

OSPRI's costly software upgrade

Animal disease management agency OSPRI has announced sweeping governance changes as it seeks to recover from the expensive failure of a major software project.

TB free again!

Herds in the West Coast settlement of Hari Hari are TB free after a four-year battle to get on top of the area's last outbreak.

Featured

Ah Tatua, You've Done It Again!

Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.

India FTA Unites NZ First, Greens

National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.

2026-27 Fishing Season Opens Across New Zealand

New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.

CODC Rejects Plan to Spread Sludge on Lauder Farmland

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter