Meat price concern

Press, 19 May 1982, Page 2

Meat price concern

The Lincoln College Farmers' Conference yesterday took the unprecedented step of passing a motion expressing its deep concern at the present situation in the meat industry, which has led to a sharp decline in the proportion of the true market prices, accruing to the farmer. The conference had heard l*/2 days of addresses by people representing all sides of the meat industry, many of which had highlighted problems in the industry. The principal of Lincoln College, Protessor J. D. Stewart, rose at the.-end of the meat industry section to move the motion, which was passed unanimously.

It is the first tjme that the conference has passed a motion arising out of its discussions. The conference said that it noted with concern the declining share of the international meat trade of sheepmeat and beef, and urged the Meat Board and meat companies to redouble their efforts in marketing and promotional work. • The conference said that it was encouraged by the evidence of the technical progress in the processing sector and urged the Government and industry to continue vigorous research in this area. It urged management and unions in the processing in-

dustry to speed the technical advances essential to increased productivity and maintenance of a viable industry, recognising that the benefits of this must be reflected in farm gate prices if the industry were to grow and provide increased employment opportunites at all levels. The conference urged farmers to note the changing patterns of demand in the world marketplace and to be prepared to adapt their management and breeding systems accordingly to meet better needs of this market. Professor Stewart said that the information presented during the IVz days was in many ways disturbing, and that it was a pity farmers were not present in greater numbers at the conference. The meat section of the conference attracted only about half the number of people who have attended the conference in recent years. Professor Stewart said the information presented, led to the conclusion that the industry was at a crisis point. The farmers’ share of meat market returns could not be allowed to fall below its present 22 per cent, not counting supplementary payments.