Comments attributable to NFF Chief Executive, Tony Mahar
The National Farmers' Federation welcomes today's announcement that the Federal Government has reached a trade deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement improves access to an important market for Australian farmers, allowing them to diversify. The deal reflects the global demand for Australia's premium produce and reinforces our reputation for growing sustainable, high quality produce.
Tariffs have been removed from key Australian exports including beef, sheep meat, dairy, oil seeds, seafood, canola seeds, nuts, honey, chickpeas and lentils.
The deal will deliver $50 million each year in tariff savings to Australian farmers and food producers and further support trade diversification, improving their profitability and competitiveness.
Australian farmers export more than 70% of what they produce, so gaining new and diverse market access is critical to the sector's resilience.
This agreement also marks a strategic opening into the Middle East, a growing market of more than 58 million people with a heavy reliance on food imports.
We thank the Albanese Government, Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry for their work in securing new international market opportunities for Australian agriculture. We commend Trade Minister Don Farrell for his leadership and constructive engagement with industry and overseas partners in achieving this outcome.
