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Mooted FTA delay irks farmers
30 Oct 2003
The National Farmers' Federation wants a free trade agreement with the United States to include significant upfront improvements in market access. We are seeking unimpeded access for Australian agricultural products into the US, NFF president Peter Corish said.
Mr Corish's comments came as Australian and US officials began their fourth round of negotiations on a potential FTA. In relation to agricultural products, Australia's chief negotiator Stephen Deady said Australia would consider phase-in periods for improved access to the US market. But he wants to see initial improvements in access for key Australian commodities, especially beef, dairy products and sugar. He said the "full liberalisation of all agriculture" is still a key objective in the negotiations.
Meanwhile, Australia and China have agreed to study the feasibility and benefits of an FTA. Mr Corish said Australia currently exports about $3.8bn worth of agricultural products a year to China, with almost all the products subject to tariffs of between 1 per cent and 25 per cent. An FTA or closer economic relationship with China would have significant benefits for all Australian farmers.
Stock Journal, 30/10/03.
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