Friday, 06 November 2020 10:23

State turns heat on frozen fries from EU

Written by Sudesh Kissun

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Potato farmers are relieved that the Government is investigating the dumping of surplus European frozen fries into New Zealand

Potatoes New Zealand (PNZ) has been informed that the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) trade remedies team is now investigating the issue after it was raised by the lobby group.

In a statement, PNZ says the MBIE decision was based on the positive evidence the industry provided in their application completed in September this year.

The application was in response to the threat posed to the NZ potato processing sector by dumped imports of surplus European frozen fries. This threat, combined with the effects of supply chain disruption caused by Covid-19, created an extraordinary situation that required investigation, PNZ says.

“At the time of the application, the surplus in Europe was 1.5 million tonnes; today it is estimated at 2.6M tonnes and growing by the minute, due to the impacts of further lockdowns in parts of Europe.
“This situation is not unique to the NZ potato industry. In recent months, the US and Australia have also called for duties or actions to limit what they see as under-priced EU fry imports.

“Other NZ industries may also be facing trade threats as a consequence of Covid-19 and PNZ has led the way in New Zealand, by quickly utilising the toolbox available through the World Trade Organisation and MBIE.”

The MBIE investigation could take up to six months.

More like this

New Research Reveals How Kiwis Really Like Their Hot Chips

New nationwide research has revealed exactly how Kiwis like to enjoy hot chips, with a simple sprinkle of salt coming out on top.

Celebrating Women in NZ’s Potato Industry

This March, the potato industry is proudly celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March alongside the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognising the vital role women play across every part of the sector — from paddocks and packhouses to research, leadership, and innovation.

Potato growers eye innovation, growth

OPINION: As we look back on the past year, I am proud to reflect on the remarkable progress and achievements that have defined our success.

Colonial science?

OPINION: Science funding for the bulwark of the nation, agriculture, is in a parlous state and less taxpayer money is shelled out for it every year.

Waste-watch

OPINION: Media luvvies have pigeon-holed the Taxpayers Union (TPU) as some right-wing lobby, but as far as this old mutt can tell, the TPU focuses on shaming poor behaviour and wasteful spending by those that govern us, no matter who's in power.

Featured

Feds Welcomes Labour Party Support For Sharemilking Law Review

Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.

How Wearable Tech Powers This 1,850-Cow Dairy Farm

For Canterbury dairy farmers Sian Meijer and Rick Wobben, wearable technology has become one of their most valuable on-farm tools - helping manage 1850 cows across an expansive, high-performing dairy operation while improving efficiency, mating outcomes and day-to-day decision making.

Fonterra FY26 Results: $9.69 Milk Price, $3.4bn Profit

Fonterra has unveiled its annual results for the 2026 financial year, posting $27 billion in revenue and close to $20 billion returned to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders.

New Dairy Welfare Code Released, Takes Effect 2027

The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.

Ravensdown Elects Montgomery, Acland to Board

Ravensdown shareholders have elected Jane Montgomery and Kate Acland to the Ravensdown Board for three-year terms, following a closely contested director election.

Federated Farmers Welcomes RMA Replacement Passing

Federated Farmers says new legislation replacing the Resource Management Act will cut red tape, unlock investment and help grow New Zealand's export-led economy, after the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill passed their third reading in Parliament yesterday.