A coalition of the country's leading food and agricultural bodies has told the government what it expects to see in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement when it's finally wrapped up.
The 13 coalition members - including dairy, meat, horticulture, seafood, wine and research representatives - have outlined their wishlist in a letter to the Trade and Primary Industry Ministers.
They've listed seven core principles starting from the position that the TPP agreement must cover all elements of trade and investment and that there should be no product or sector exclusions.
A spokesperson, Fonterra's senior trade policy consultant Ken Geard, says it follows discussions with US agriculture representatives who have adopted the same set of principles.
He says the no-exclusions principle is a key one for New Zealand, which is looking for a comprehensive trade deal covering all sectors, including agriculture.
Mr Geard says the TPP negotiations, aimed at reaching a trade deal by the end of the year, have definitely gained momentum.
