N.Z. praised by World Bank man

Press, 10 February 1982, Page 7

N.Z. praised by World Bank man

New Zealand farming provides an “island of sanity in world agriculture," according to Mr Montague Yudelman, director of agriculture and rural development for the World Bank.

Mr Yudelman. an expert on global food problems, was on a three-day unofficial visit to New Zealand, during which time he privately visited a few New Zealand farms.

“I am impressed with the efficiency of New Zealand farming." he said, “but not surprised, as New Zealand has been a big influence in world agricultural policy. Ruakura and the name Dr C. P. McMeekan command the greatest respect in world agricultural circles.”

It was also pleasing to note the awareness in New Zealand of international trends. Mr Yudelman said. As these trends in the long run shape our lives, such awareness was important. The most remarkable phenomenon of the period since World War.ll was the increase in the demand for meat, he said. “The effect of rising incomes has been consistently underestimated." “The Soviet Union is now

feeding as much grain to its livestock as does the United States." Mr Yudelman predicted that this pressure on grain production would lead to a high consumption of chicken and pork — these being fairly economical converters of grain — and. that 15 years from now steak would be eaten only, occasionally. as a luxury item. “The nature of the problem suggests that one answer lies in shipping economically produced meat rather than moving grain all over the world."

The Japanese market had changed the most rapidly, he said, as the Japanese shifted to a Western-style diet. This market had great potential for meat exports, but access and trade reciprocity were well-known problems. The Japanese market also needs a great deal of study, he said. Talking of the World Bank, of which New Zealand is a member. Mr Yudelman said that it was the worlds biggest supplier of resources for agriculture, and the most important factor in agricultural development.

However, the bank’s efforts were bearing fruit. Twenty years ago there was

a great deoate whether India would ever be able to produce 75 million tonnes of grain. Last year India produced 120 million tonnes, leaving a small surplus for export, Mr Yudelman said.