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NZ plays down threat to European agri interests in FTA talks

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 JPEG - 35.8 kb     The Five Star feed lot is the largest commercial feed lot in New Zealand, with up to 20,000 cattle at any one time JPEG - 35.8 kb The Five Star feed lot is the largest commercial feed lot in New Zealand, with up to 20,000 cattle at any one time

New Zealand trade negotiators are trying to get their European counterparts to recognise that the nation’s agricultural exports are small-fry in comparison to the regional bloc’s farming sector.

The second round of free trade negotiations between New Zealand and the EU is underway in Wellington, with 31 European officials in the capital to make progress in a deal politicians say they’re keen to fast-track.

In a 90-minute public forum, the chief negotiators - Peter Berz for the EU and Martin Harvey of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade - said there was a lot of commonality between the parties, but that agriculture is a sticking point.

Harvey said New Zealand’s size is something trade negotiators always have to deal with. Continue to read the full article > . .>