Govt ‘concern’ at U.S. Farm Bill

Press, 25 January 1986, Page 2

Govt ‘concern’ at U.S. Farm Bill

PA Wellington New Zealand trade would not be affected by any restrictions resulting from the United States Farm Bill, said the Minister of Overseas Trade, Mr Moore, yesterday. However, the Government was concerned about a number of issues raised in the bill. The Farm Bill was introduced by President Reagan in late December. It sets United States agricultural policies for the next five years. “There is always a possibility that protectionist elements in Congress will introduce restrictions on imports of agricultural products like casein,” Mr Moore said. “However, despite some earlier adverse proposals, the 1985 bill has not resulted in any restric-

tions affecting New Zealand.” Mr Moore said New Zealand was concerned about the Farm Bill’s requirement for the United States Government to export 90,000 tonnes of red meat during 1986-87.

“The United States Department of Agriculture is still examining the implications of this provision,” Mr Moore said. “The New Zealand Government has registered its concern that this export requirement should not be allowed to disrupt international trading.” The Farm Bill also contains a provision for 150,000 tonnes of surplus dairy products to be exported annually. “While this is of concern to New Zealand, it is not much more than is normally exported,” Mr Moore said.