The US, Canada, Mexico and 9 other Pacific rim countries (including NZ, Aus & Japan) have concluded a significant multilateral trade deal after years of negotiations.

Agrifood trade, especially dairy was a key component of this deal, which analysis say will account for almost 40% of the world’s global economy.

ICOS have long maintained that there would be no real progress on any TTIP agreement until the TPP has been concluded.

Now with the American elections ramping into gear there now is a small window of opportunity to progress negotiations before the presidential election cycle takes over.

It is clear that any gains will be severely hard fought with Dairy in particular being of particular defensive interest to US farmers both in the TPP and any potential TTIP. This has been further illustrated by the American reactionary hiking of butter tariffs.

ICOS will continue to look to represent the cooperative Agriculture movement to ensure any potential deal balances growth opportunities for our farmer members while protecting the standards and sensitive industries such as beef from any unfair deal.

The next (and 11th round) of TTIP negotiations takes place in Miami this month from the 19th to 23rd October.

By Conor Mulvihill

European Affairs Executive