increase font size
A Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) would transform New Zealand's agriculture and economy by involving five of our top ten export partners.
A TPP could boost our exports to the United States enormously and its only one partner, says Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers President and economics and commerce spokesperson.
"The sky is the limit given HSBC Bank says our trade with the rest of the world could grow 83 percent in the next 15 years. That outperforms the global average and is vital for us to remain a first world nation and for public services to remain properly funded.
"A 2002 a report for the US-NZ Council found a true free trade deal between our two countries would boost New Zealand exports to the United States by 51 percent. New Zealand currently exports around $4 billion to the United States; our number three trading partner.
He says Japan joining TPP negotiations "supercharges the TPP's overall potential". Japan is the world's number three economy and our fourth largest export partner. The potential is "huge" because the TPP would involve half of our top ten export partners including three of the top four.
"The crucial thing for Federated Farmers is the removal of trade barriers for agriculture. That's a non-negotiable requirement for us as the world needs to eliminate tariffs and subsidies. Free trade also needs a wider genuine commitment to services, investment and intellectual property.
"While the free trade agreements we have with the likes of Australia and China are tremendous, multilateral trade agreements are the future, such as the one we have with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)."
OPINION: Recent media commentary from Southland Federated Farmers has raised concerns among our rural communities, particularly around Environment Southland’s approach to winter grazing inspections and nitrogen reporting. But let’s be clear, much of what’s been said simply doesn’t reflect reality.
OPINION: Environment Canterbury's (ECan) decision recently to declare a so-called “nitrate emergency” is laughable.
A shameless political stunt is how Federated Farmers is describing the Canterbury Regional Council decision to declare “a nitrate emergency” on the back of its latest annual groundwater quality survey.
Federated Farmers say Environment Canterbury's decision to declare a 'nitrate emergency' is a shameless political stunt that won't help anyone.
Farmers want the Government to scrap controversial freshwater rules that "put river spirits and ideology ahead of practical water use", says Federated Farmers board member Mark Hooper.
Sheep milk processor Maui Milk is on track to record average ewe production of 500 litres by 2030, says outgoing chief executive Greg Hamill.
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton is calling for cross-party consensus on the country's overarching environmental goals.
Changes to New Zealand’s postal service has left rural communities disappointed.
A $10 milk price remains on the cards for this season despite recent softening of global dairy prices.
Alliance is urging its farmer-shareholders to have their say on the proposed $250 million strategic investment partnership with Dawn Meats Group.
To mark International Rural Women's Day on 15 October, Women in Horticulture (WiH) and United Fresh New Zealand Inc. are sponsoring the Inspiring Wāhine Conference 2025.
OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…
