Allegations In U.S. About N.Z. Cheese

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32078, 28 August 1969, Page 18

Allegations In U.S. About N.Z. Cheese

(N.ZP.A.-Reuter—Copyright) WASHINGTON, August 27. Senator Gaylord Nelson said yesterday that the long-delayed meeting on dairy imports between Agriculture Department officials and the dairy industry was being planned for mid-September.

Senator Nelson, a Democrat who represents Wisconsin, a major dairy state, for five; months has been trying to arrange a conference to discuss “lingering dairy import problems.”

I He said in a statement that jin spite of action taken by (President Johnson in January to place more limitations on dairy imports, dairy industry spokesmen “believe that many loopholes still exist.” “The Bureau of Customs has reported apparent alterations of invoices on import shipments, which indicate possible kick-backs and under-the-counter deals,” he said.

Other major loopholes Senator Nelson alleged existed were;—

“Attempts to classify New Zealand Monterey cheese in that country’s ‘other cheese’ category with a sizeable quota rather than as an ‘American type’ cheese, where it would face a more stringent quota.” Export subsidies ranging from 60 United States cents on butter to 9c on non-fat dry milk paid by foreign governments to ship surplus products to other markets. Cheeses selling for substantially less than 47c being offered as just above that price to avoid the quota. Present legislation allows unlimited importation of cheese selling for more than 47c per pound, approximately the price for American-produced cheese.