WHEAT PRODUCTION

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 173, 19 April 1937, Page 8

WHEAT PRODUCTION

Minister’s Appeal To Growers PROVISION OF DOMINION’S REQUIREMENTS By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, April 18. The following statement has been issued by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Hon. D. G. Sullivan:— “In view of the dominant economic factors which have caused the Government to embark on a sincere policy of encouragement to wheat-growers and adequate protection for the industry, I again appeal to farmers to play their part by doing everything in thenpower to provide the people of this country with their full wheat requirements. By planting sufficient acreage to produce 9,000,000 bushels a year, the wheat-growers will provide a national service o£ very great value to themselves, to their employees, to the transport services, to the poultry and pig producers and to every man, woman and child in the country. “It is not necessary for me to explain to wheat-growers the economic factors which necessitate the policy that I am following, because these have been stated over and over again and are well known to them, but I do want to assure the wheat farmer that I am sincere in my desire to make this industry and the closely allied industries of flourmilling, baking and poultrykeeping as efficient and as productive as possible consistent with a full and proper service to the consuming public. “With these objects in view I have again given much thought to the matter and, realising that the success of the whole plan depends on a full supply of wheat from our own sources for the Dominion’s requirements, I wish in order to encourage planting to assure growers that I will add to the price for this year—s/3 March, f.a.q. Tuscan, basis f.o.b. —which can be taken as. a minimum for the next crop, any increases that may be justified by increased costs. This will, of course, apply only to wheat actually grown iu the 1937-38 crop. “This is the best assurance that I am able to give growers, and with this knowledge I feel sure that they will take the matter up whole-heartedly and give me the support that is required to carry out the plan the wheat committee is now administering. I have been pleased with the way in which the United Wheatgrowers’ organisation has supported the plan and, with the assurance I am now conveying to growers, I feel that the required acreage of approximately 300,000 acres will be sown. “On account of the Short yield this year it is a fact that the whole of .the crop now in existence will be required and will be consumed before next harvest will be ready. “In making this announcement I am not losing sight of the interests of the public generally, as bread consumers, and would like to point out that while there have been considerable increases in bread prices in Australia, England and other parts of the world, the Government of New Zealand has been able to stabilise prices for bread in this country.”