Farmers’ Leader Defends U.S. Policy On Trade

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29820, 12 May 1962, Page 5

Farmers’ Leader Defends U.S. Policy On Trade

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 11. “It would be less than fair to the many good friends of New Zealand amongst the United States farm organisations if Mr P. B. Marshall’s statements on trade with America were to pass without comment,” said the Dominion president of Federated Farmers (Mr W. Malcolm) today. Mr Malcolm was referring to criticism by Mr Marshall, Dairy Board general manager of marketing, yesterday of United States’ restriction on imports of New Zealand dairy produce. “I wish it to be understood that I am speaking on behalf of farming other than dairy farming when I say that with the limited opportunities we had to discuss matters with them, we have found the leaders of the major organisations in the Untied States very sympathetic to the idea of trade with New Zealand,” said Mr Malcolm. "An instance of this is that none of the major organisations supported the case against us for a quota on our lamb imports. Had they done so, the position could well have been very different today. “The sheep industry has very carefully considered and debated the question of our relationships with United States’ producers and has agreed on a policy of cooperation.

“We have put all our cards on the table with the organisations we have met and they have been frank and helpful with us. “We do not believe we can get anywhere without at

least the neutrality but preferabaibly the goodwill, of the American farmers,” Mr Malcolm said.

“To do that we have to get an understanding with them. This means that someone has to talk to them on behalf of New Zealand. “We have not done half enough of this. In fact, I believe it is the most important job that confronts us. ‘‘Federated Farmers has never had any discussion on trade in dairy products with American producers, and I am not aware that anyone connected with the Dairy Board or commission has.

“Personally, I have always believed that they should, be-

cause you never lose any. thing by having discussions, and sometimes you gain. “I am not aware that the dairy industry as a whole has ever really discussed a possible policy vis a vis the United States dairy farmer,” Mr Malcolm said. “A lot of us believe that no solution of the world dairy problem is possible without America’s participation because she has the surpluses, and also the potential market.

“Most farm problems have to be solved by the producers themselves, because up to date no government has ever yet arrived at a permanent solution of a farm problem.”