UK TRADE DEAL A HUGE WIN FOR AUSTRALIAN FARMERS

Primary producers and traders will signifcantly beneft from new market access opportunities, as the Albanese Government’s AustraliaUnited Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) comes into force today.

The gold-standard agreement will drive increased trade and economic growth, with tariffs removed on over 99 percent of our $10 billion two-way merchandise trade with the UK (2022). For some agricultural products like beef, sheep meat, dairy and sugar, Australia will have access to expanding tariff quota volumes –within 10 years these tariff quotas will be eliminated completely.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt welcomed the announcement and said the FTA provides signifcant benefts to the agriculture sector.

“From today, Australian farmers will enjoy dutyfree market access for a range of goods including beef, sheep meat, wine, sugar, dairy, grains, horticulture, and seafood exports,” Minister Watt said.

“The agreement is one of the most comprehensive, innovative, and ambitious FTAs Australia has signed with any trading partner— and it will provide a foundation for greater profts for Australian producers.

“Tariffs on goods such as wine, short and medium grain rice, honey, olive oil and nuts will be eliminated immediately and dutyfree transitional quotas will be established for beef, sheep meat, wheat, barley, sugar, and dairy, providing instant benefts for

Australian farming communities.

“The FTA creates faster customs clearance times while maintaining our world-leading biosecurity measures which ensure Australia is protected from harmful diseases, pests, and weeds.

“This is a huge achievement and a great win for Australian agriculture and our farmers.”

Australia’s agricultural trade with the UK in 2021-22 was worth $868 million with key exports including wine ($449M), on, or adjacent to waters, unless the crayfsh are being prepared for immediate consumption, immediate use as bait or are being cleaned at a fsh cleaning facility.”

Recreational fshers are reminded that opera house style yabby traps are banned in NSW. Detailed information on the fshing rules and Murray Crayfsh can be found at www.dpi.nsw. gov.au/fsheries canola seeds ($150M), lamb and mutton ($135M), beef and veal ($15M), chickpeas ($12M), wool ($12M) and cocoa and chocolate ($9M).

Check out the FishSmart app providing recreational fshers 24/7 smartphone access to essential information they need to know to fsh in NSW. You can fnd it in the App Store or on Google Play. Any suspected illegal fshing activity can be reported through the FishSmart app or to the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536.

Total agricultural exports to the UK reached an all-time high in 2021-2022. Australian agriculture, forestry and fsheries exports to the

UK increased by $225 million since 2019-20 ($643M to $868M).

Further details on the benefts of the FTA for Australian farmers can be found here: www. dfat.gov.au/trade/ agreements/notyet-in-force/ukftaoutcomes-documents/ trade-and-investment/ benefts-farmers