Seafood New Zealand has welcomed the announcement. Chief Executive, Tim Pankhurst, commented: “These small plastic particles, which do not biodegrade are a well-known hazard to the environment.”
“Research has shown that fish may eat the particles, rather than natural food sources, and they either die of starvation or their growth is stunted before they reach maturity.”
In other news this week, US President Donald Trump has signed an executive action to pull out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.
The action to withdraw from the TPP ushers in a new era of US trade policy in which the Trump Administration will pursue bilateral free trade opportunities with allies around the world, wherever possible, to promote American industry, protect American workers, and raise American wages.
NFU President Roger Johnson applauded the President's decision, saying: “The Trans-Pacific Partnership was a continuance of our nation’s deeply flawed trade agenda, and we’re pleased that the Trump Administration has decided to formally withdraw the US from the pact to prioritise a fair trade agenda."
However, the American Feed Industry Association said it is extremely disappointed with President Trump's executive action.
"TPP, and agreements like it, are key to setting the terms and rules for future trade relationships, creating higher standards and expectations than previous trade deals. While the US economy generally deals with a trade deficit, agriculture is the one segment where our country enjoys a strong trade surplus," said AFIA President and CEO Joel G. Newman.
