‘Farmers need help from industry?

Press, 15 April 1980, Page 12

‘Farmers need help from industry ?

Possible increases in farm production would be achieved only if other sectors of the economy helped to create the necessary economic dianite, said the.chairman of the agriculture section of North Canterbury Federated . Farmers (Mr K. M. Wells) at a meeting, of-'the section executive. . /“Targets . for increased .production have been spoken of, mainly related to the farming, sector. I do not deny that they are possible, but they are possible only if there is an appropriate economic climate and if that climate is maintained. “The achievement of this climate also rests with other sectors of our work force pulling their weight and lifting their

performance rating,” Mr Wells said. “It will not be achieved if the performance of some of our, industrial sector remains ‘hell bent’ to ruin both industry and country. Would it be too much to expect increased effort from processing manufacturing, transport and waterside industries, and our Public Service, “Farmers will respond , to the challege if there are ■’ reciprocal moves from’ other areas. To be asked to take all the load would not be favourably •/ received. We are in ,it together and can ofit togehter. The' easiest way to break 'the heart or make a jibber of the strongest and the most willing horse is to overload the scoop he is ex-

pected to pull,” he said. Referring to. the recent increase in thie fertiliser price. Mr Wells said that it would have a serius etit would have a/serious dustry. Unlike other users, the. .grain grower would see/an immediate reduction in yield if the. in.creased cost of fertiliser caused a restriction in it s /use. The decline' in livestock performance would be more gradual, he said. Speaking on the minimum price for wheat harvested next - yearl and its new pricing system which will apply then, which is related to the f.o.b. price of Australian wheat over three seasons, Mr Wells said the price would apply in a year’s time and a great deal could happen between now and then.