“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,” he added. “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.”
Even though 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 percent tariff that applies to New Zealand’s other European high-quality beef quota, Petersen concluded.
