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Restart of Trade Talks Welcomed
29 January 2007
Restart of Trade Talks Welcomed
New Zealand farmers welcome news that global trade negotiations have resumed, said Charlie Pedersen, President of Federated Farmers of New Zealand.
A deal to resume the stalled Doha round of talks was reached on Saturday at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. This follows the suspension of talks last July due to divisions over farm trade.
However Federated Farmers is mindful that that there is much work ahead.
Trade liberalisation would bring huge benefits to New Zealand agriculture. A successful WTO round in agriculture would give greater access to markets which are currently restricted to protect inefficient European farmers.
The removal of international farm subsidies was worth an estimated $600 million to the New Zealand dairy sector alone.
"The WTO remains a vital forum from which New Zealand farmers can see improved access to markets, an end to export subsidies, and withdrawal of domestic support," said Mr Pedersen.
New Zealand is a member of the "Green Room" negotiating process and chairs the Agricultural Negotiating Group.
"Federated Farmers is pleased that the New Zealand government remains committed to getting this important trade round back on track," said Mr Pedersen.
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