Farmer opposition to C.E.R. denied

Press, 20 March 1982, Page 5

Farmer opposition to C.E.R. denied

PA Wellington The National Farmers' Federation of Australia and Federated Farmers of New Zealand share a common attitude and approach towards the proposed closer economic relationship between the two countries. Mr W. R. Storey, president of Federated Farmers, said this week. . He said a telephone call from the executive director, of the National Farmers’ Federation had dispelled any suggestion that the Australian farmer group was opposed to C.E.R. As agreed in a common communique after a meeting between the two farmer groups about 15 months ago, both organisations still support the signing of a new agreement on the basis that each industry, is given an opportunity to sell in each other’s markets on fair and equitable terms. A report from Brisbane earlier this week said the National Farmers’, Federation had vowed to fight C.E.R. to ensure safeguards for Australian farmers.

But, Mr Storey said, “both believe that the outstanding issues which still exist on some commodities can best be resolved through discussions between the two sector bodies involved and these discussions are still taking place. “Naturally in these discussions, both organisations will, to use the term of the National Farmers’ Federation, fight hard to ensure that the interests of their

own farmers are adequately protected. “Federated Farmers’ shares the New Zealand Government’s hope that the outstanding . issues can be resolved in time for the introduction of the agreement early next, year," said Mr Storey. The Minister of Trade and Industry (Mr Templeton) has said that meetings between New Zealand and’Australian farming interests should soon dispel fears being expressed across the Tasman about closer economic relations. Mr Templeton was commenting on the statements made by Mr Michael Davidson, the president of the Australian National Farmers’ Federation. “It is proper for farmers to be expressing any concerns about C.E.R. because now is the time to negotiate,” Mr Templeton said. Many of Mr Davidson’s reservations would be dispelled once they were discussed with Mr Storey, who would visit. Australia soon, the Minister said. . “I am hopeful that the forthcoming discussions will result in a meeting of minds in the areas now concerning the Australian federation.” New Zealand’s supplementary minimum prices had “caught the attention of the Australian farming industry.” Mr Templeton said. “But on closer examination the Australian farmers will find that the S.M.P.s have no impact'on the competitive position of New Zealand in the Australian market.

"This is because S.M.P.S have been paid out on products where New'Zealand is not really a competitor for a share of Australia’s market, particularly sheepmeat. and beef, where the markets are distant, and wool, where New Zealand's production is of different types and complements Australia's.” From Canberra, the Press Association reports that Australia’s National Farmers' Federation has now denied that it would oppose the .proposed closer economic relationship, with New Zealand. The Federation’s executive director, Mr John Whitelaw. said that it.,would fight to ensure that the interests of Australian farmers were protected in C.E.R. policies, but that it supported the principle. Mr Whitelaw said the federation had held discussions with New Zealand Federated Farmers in 1980 and had reached agreement on the issue then. “We stick by that agreement." he said. The main issue in working out the new C.E.R. was to ensure that both sides had “a fair go" and that some sections of primary industry were not disadvantaged, he said. Specific areas of concern were dairying and some horticultural products. “The federation will press to have these various ‘bugs’ removed to protect- the interests of Australian farmers. But the federation supports the over-all principle of C.E.R..” Mr Whitelaw said.