Market access depends on farm emissions record, say National MPs
Free trade access and the environmental questions customers ask go together for New Zealand’s farm exports.
|November 12, 2026Listen to the full interview:
Customers in New Zealand’s highest-value export markets ask about the environment and emissions, two National Party MPs say at the Canterbury A&P Show.
Associate Minister of Agriculture and Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick says New Zealand exports more than 90% of what it grows, and 73% of that goes into markets with free trade access.
“We have a responsibility as global citizens to play our part, end of story,” he says.
Mike says farmers have record prices, market access and less red tape, with emissions pricing off the table.
Northland MP Grant McCallum says New Zealand has a reputation for sticking to its agreements.
“We need them more than they need us.”
Mike finished election night 139 votes ahead in Wairarapa, with special votes still to count.
Watch the full interview:
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