NZ dairy processors want Canada to respect rules
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
IT IS great to see Trade Minister Tim Groser and DCANZ executive director Kimberly Crewther taking a positive stance on the news that Australia and China have signed a free trade agreement.
It would have been tempting to cry foul and to take on the Australians, some of whom are openly gloating – or are they merely happy – about what they see as a good deal. Let’s be frank, New Zealand would probably have put the same spin on such news.
Groser and Crewther are experienced in the global minefield of trade negotiations and have an excellent handle on what this latest FTA will achieve.
As Crewther points out, a key message is that China is continuing down the road of trade liberalisation and that is good news. China and Australia should be congratulated, not castigated, for what they are doing. This FTA will hopefully give greater world-wide impetus to trade liberalisation which will benefit us as a major agricultural exporter.
Even if Australia has made some short term gain by this deal, it should not be seen as problem, rather an anomaly which gives Groser the perfect excuse for quietly persuading the Chinese to give a little more to New Zealand by way of tariff reductions.
Groser points out that a strong Australian economy works in New Zealand’s favour; after all they are a major trading partner and the last thing we need is a flat Australian economy.
This FTA will put spring into the step of the Australian economy, especially its ailing dairy industry. As the old saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. With our mates across the water, we simply need to keep rowing.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.