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

Govt Commits $4m to Rural Wellbeing Initiatives

While the District Field Days brought with it a welcome dose of sunshine, it also attracted a significant cohort of sitting members from the Beehive – as one might expect in an election year.

Shane Jordan Beats Brother to Win NZ Timbersports Title

While not all sibling rivalries come to blows, one headline event at the recent New Zealand Rural Games held in Palmerston North certainly did, when reigning World Champion Jack Jordan was denied the opportunity of defending his world title in Europe later this year, after being beaten by his big brother’s superior axle blows, at the Stihl Timbersports Nationals.

National

Machinery & Products

Chinese Tractors Eye Western Europe

Having caused quite a stir at last year’s Agritechnica, Chinese manufacturer Zoomlion is reported to be conducting large-scale field trials…

Franz Grimme Turns 80

Franz Grimme recently celebrated his 80th birthday earlier March and continues to be an entrepreneur with passion and pioneering spirit,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

What A Choice!

OPINION: If you ask this old mutt, the choice at the next election isn't shaping up as a contest of…

Your Call!

OPINION: A mate of yours says we're long overdue for a reckoning on what value farmers really get for the…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter