Farm leader unhappy with live sheep export quota

Press, 28 July 1987, Page 2

Farm leader unhappy with live sheep export quota

PA Wellington The Live Sheep Export Advisory Committee’s decision to limit the number of sheep exported to 760,000 was disgraceful, said the president of Federated Farmers, Mr Brian Chamberlin, yesterday. He was commenting on the decision of the committee to reduce the number of live sheep to be exported for slaughter during the 1987-88 season to 780,000 from 900,000 allowed in 1986-87. That total included a 150,900 carry-over from the 198586 season. Mr Chamberlin said the restriction was contrary to the Government’s economic philosphy and was totally opposd by Federated Farmers.

“It is quite obvious that the farmer and exporter representatives were out-

voted by the Govern-ment-appointed chairman and union representatives at last Friday’s meeting,’’ he said.

The intervention of the committee was a complete anachronism to the Government’s free trade policy and the committee must be abolished, he said.

It placed fanners in an invidious position by not being able to market their produce to best advantage. It was disruptive also to exporters who were unable to contract with certainty with farmers or overseas buyers.

The federation would take up the matter urgently with the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Moyle, and would seek a commitment from all political parties that restrictive practices would be abolished.