Wednesday, 01 July 2020 12:57

Fat chance

Written by  The Hound

OPINION: This old mutt has always believed that any hopes of a possible free trade deal – that is any good – between NZ and the EU were about as elusive as an honest politician.

The reality that the heavily subsidised farming sector of the EU would be open to competing against NZ farmers on a level playing field was always somewhat fanciful and unrealistic.

Speaking of which, Trade Minister David Parker still believes such a deal is possible, despite recent news of the miniscule offer the EU has made for allowing NZ dairy products into the trade block.

The Hound suggests, when Parker and/or his trade officials claim that NZ can do a free trade deal with the EU, punters mimic the wise counsel of Daryl Kerrigan – the patriarch of that Aussie movie classic ‘The Castle’ – and tell them they are ‘dreamin’!

Featured

Mark Patterson Promotes NZ Wool at India's Bharat Textile Expo

Just a matter of hours after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic trip to New Zealand, the political doors in India swung wide open for Associate Minister of Agriculture, Mark Patterson, who was there to help promote our high-quality coarse wool.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

New Mates

OPINION: Proponents of regenerative agriculture tend to be naturally aligned with a 'green mindset', so they will be nonplussed with…

Levy Scrutiny

OPINION: Mike Chapman, former chief executive of levy-funded HortNZ, has thrown out a challenge to farmers and growers to put…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter