Nothing for Dairy Farmers under TPPA

New Zealand does not have a good deal for dairying, yet the end game of TPPA negotiations are now being played out, says New Zealand First.

“Both Prime Minister John Key and Trade Minister Tim Groser have made this extraordinary admission on what they tell New Zealanders is an important trade deal,” says New Zealand First Spokesperson for Trade Fletcher Tabuteau.

“Mr Key says New Zealanders should trust him regarding the TPPA, but how can we? This wait and see approach is not good enough, and it’s disrespectful to New Zealand farmers and our export industry.

“Both NZ Beef and Lamb and the Fonterra Cooperative Group say they would struggle to support the TPPA if it resembles New Zealand’s free trade deals with China and Korea, which leave Kiwi farmers playing catch-up against those from larger countries and with large tariffs in place once set quotas are reached.

“Despite years of negotiations and efforts to fast-track the deal under way in the US, it is wrong for the government to act like they have no information to share with New Zealanders. There has been enough secrecy and they must be accountable,” says Mr Tabuteau.

“The Prime Minister failed miserably under questioning in Parliament today to give a straight answer about what the TPPA would do for New Zealand’s dairy industry.”

ENDS

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