‘Higher prices in jeopardy'

Press, 9 November 1978, Page 24

‘Higher prices in jeopardy'

PA Wellington! The improved lamb prices to producers would be jeopardised if killing and processing charges rose a lot, said the chairman of Federated Farmers’ Dominion meat and wool section (Mr J. Falconer). “The current better prices for our meat exports and Government incentives are providing farmers with increased confidence and ability to invest in increased i production. This must lead ultimately to the benefit of; the whole country,” he said. I “I am‘concerned that the) freezing industry has not; been able to offset increased! costs by higher productivity, I particularly in the last few 1 seasons. “Producers have opposed the present price increases

ilthat do not allow the involvement of interested third parties.” Mr Falconer said it was . “vitally important” that the proposals to investigate the efficiency of the industry, including its wage structure, go ahead immediately. Producers insisted that the 1 Meat Board be able to study applications for increases in killing charges and if necessary put their case to the I pricing authorities and the Minister of Agriculture, he said. i “Surely an industry which j enjoys the protection of a licensing system should jusijtify any proposed increase i charges to the satisfaction of those who must pay them, in I this case the farming industry,” Mr Falconer said. ; ■ cfarmersdU