EGG EXPORT TRADE

Evening Star, Issue 20592, 18 September 1930, Page 2

EGG EXPORT TRADE

OUTLOOK NOT BRIGHT [From Our Parliamentary Eeportrr.] WELLINGTON, September 17. A pessimistic note regarding the egg export trade is sounded in the annual report of the Department of Agriculture, presented to Parliament today. “ The -conditions' at present ruling in the poultry industry have been given special attention,” states the report. While production has been at a good level, the marketing results have not been satisfactory, and, in order to obtain a basis upon which to endeavour to work out methods of general improvement, full inquiry into the industry was made by Mr Fawcett (farm economist), who furnished a comprehensive and valuable report. Following on this, a conference was arranged with tho representatives of the poultry industry, of merchants, and of tho Grocers’ Association, at which a scheme for voluntary egg-grading and improved marketing methods was_ elaborated. This is now being dealt with, and it is hoped that it may shortly be brought into effect.” “ The export of eggs was continued under a guarantee from the Government of a minimum return to shippers, and with a limit of £IO,OOO liability on the Government; but it is regretted that export again proved unprofitable., and the call on the guarantee (which it was at first hoped would only slightly exceed £4,000), now appears likely to reach £5,000. The outlook for a paying export trade under present conditions is not good, and whatever course may bo adopted regarding continuation of it, poultrymen evidently need meanwhile to do their best to get their voluntary dominion grading and marketing scheme established on a solid footing in anticipation. It will prove valuable as a means of placing the industry .upon a more stable basis.”