Federated Farmers says Canada is extremely protectionist in its dairy system.

Trade Minister Damien O'Connor has asked for an international panel to hear a dispute between the countries, which has seen New Zealand products locked out of the Canadian market.

He says Canada isn't living up to commitments under the CPTPP agreement, by implementing broader dairy import taxes.

Federated Farmers President Andrew Hoggard told Kate Hawkesby it's a market they haven't really been able to access, but would like to.

He says it'd be good to trade in more markets to reduce reliance on a smaller number of countries.

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