Co-operation on dairy markets

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32661, 17 July 1971, Page 3

Co-operation on dairy markets

(New Zealand Pres, Association)

AUCKLAND, July 16.

The New Zealand Government and the Dairy Board had reacted very favourably to proposals for co-operation with Australia in dairy market promotion, said the Australian Minister for Primary Industry (Mr Sinclair) today.

Interviewed before his return to Australia, Mr Sinclair conceded that some difficulties might arise from the faet that Australian dairy produce was exported not only by its dairy board but also by a number of companies.

It had often been suggested that the Australian Dairy Board should become the sole exporter, he said, but the proposals had not so far got beyond the realms of talk.

The main area for co-opera-tion between the two countries was in promoting a commodity. New Zealand and Australia could do much, for example, to convey the message that butter was not injurious to health. Once having satisfied the customer of the worth of a product, then they could con-i centrate on selling brands. FUTURE CHANCE Mr Sinclair said there was! no chance at present of New' Zealand becoming a major!

dairy supplier to Australia because of the social implications for Australian dairy farmers.

The Australian industry, however, was reaching the point where it was having difficulty in trying to maintain the volume of whole milk required. If this trend continued, then the industry I might have to get new members or start looking for imports.

/ The question of co-opera- ? tion would be taken up again t next month when members r of the Australian Dairy f Board visited New Zealand. He said he believed there - were good prospects foi - dairy products in Asia, South i America and in Russia, and 1 he thought there was room r for some rationalisation of ! markets between New Zeat land and Australia. E.E.C. DEAL j ; Mr.Sinciair said he was de- . lighted that New Zealand had achieved a good deal in the negotiations between Britain and the European d Economic Community. If J New Zealand had not gained access - to the

British market then more produce would have had to be marketed elsewhere.