EU quota for New Zealand grain-fed beef welcomed

28 July 2011

Today’s news that the European Union has agreed to allow New Zealand access to a quota for grain-fed high quality beef is the result of hard work by the industry and Beef + Lamb New Zealand alongside the government, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chairman, Mike Petersen.

New Zealand already has a quota of 1,300 tonnes for pasture-fed beef and this new access to a grain-fed quota allows us to broaden New Zealand’s beef offering to the high value European market, Petersen said.

“During our recent visits to Europe and in meetings with European politicians and officials we have made clear to the European Commission that we are keen to supply more high quality New Zealand beef into the European market.

“Improved market access globally for beef is one of the industry’s top priorities, and beef remains one of the most protected traded meat products. It has been gratifying to have the support of the Trade Minister, Tim Groser, and his Ministry staff in putting our case for access to this quota. It is very pleasing to have the Commission accept our application.

“This puts us alongside US, Canada and Australia as the only supplying countries under this quota.”

Although this quota is for a niche product with low volumes but high value, the access is tariff free which makes it very attractive compared to the 20 per cent tariff that applies to our other European high quality beef quota, Petersen said.

ENDS

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