WARTIME FARMING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 September 1940, Page 9

WARTIME FARMING

AGRICULTURAL PROBLEMS IN AUSTRALIA NEED FOR ESSENTIAL FOODSTUFFS. SITUATION OUTLINED. Australian agricultural problems in the light of Britain’s requirements' of essential foodstuffs were considered by the Australian Agricultural Council at a meeting recently concluded in Sydney. The council, formulated proposals to ensure the most effective contribution to Australia's war effort from its farming industries. It was stated that the British Government had told the Commonwealth Government that it had to limit its commitments; but, realising the special dependence of the Dominions on agriculture, it hoped to make arrangements for imports in 1940-41 on a scale not materially different from imports in 1939-40. According, to a review of the conference released in New Zealand by the Australian Trade Commissioner (Mr C. E. Critchley), the stimulation of production of commodities urgently required by the United Kingdom Ministry of Food will require a deliberate policy of planned production of those foodstuffs which the United Kingdom has now indicated'to be essential for the prosecution of the war effort — dairy produce, eggs and pig meats Broadly speaking, the position is as follows: —

(1) There is a definite demand from the United Kingdom for an immediate increase in the production of eggs, butter, dried milk, condensed milk, cheese, flax and probably pig meat. (2) There is no sign of any immediate increased demand for wool, dried fruits, barley, rice, lard, tallow or sugar. Normal production of these would appear to be adequate. The United King dom Government’s desires in regard to Australian supplies of beef, mutton and lamb have not been finally settled. (3) Wheat is in a special category. (4) It is clear that wine, canned fruits and fresh fruits have so low an order of priority that their , export is anything approaching normal quantities must remain a matter of doubt. (5) There remain tobacco, cotton, I vegetable, pasture and other seeds, certain fibres and other products where production for local needs (and in part for export) must be stimulated. The council made a detailed examination of the effect of the changed situation in Europe on the export of Australia’s primary products. The Minister for Commerce stated that the capacity of the United Kingdom to take increased supplies of Australian commodifies depends mainly on shipping, and availability of port facilities and on priorities. In regard to the wheat industry, the council said the United Kingdom Government has not made contracts with the Commonwealth Government for the purchase of the total exportable surplus of wheat as had been done in the case of wool, dairy produce, eggs, etc. A considerable portion of the wheat already purchased by the British Government has not yet been shipped, and considerable surpluses of unsold meat remain on hand. It was decided that a settlement of the problem of the industry over the long period as contrasted with the immediate problem caused by the existing surplus stocks and the likelihood of a short, crop in the forthcoming season would be dealt with by a further conference of Ministers. The council .however, dealt with certain aspects of the diversification of production within the industry and its views are set out.as follows:— The expressed desire of the British Government for increased shipments of eggs and the indications that have been received that pig meat is preferred to other meats, provide a means whereby substantial relief could be afforded to the wheat industry by the absorption of surplus wheat. Hitherto the production of eggs and pig meat in the wheat belt has been limited by the scarcity of protein foods such as meat meal. These are essential to balance up the grain ration where the supply of skim milk is restricted. The extension of the egg and pig production on wheat farms will afford a much needed opportunity for diversifying the wheat industry and by the large-scale conversion of grain into animal products of high value, assist in preventing the accumulation of embarassing surpluses of grain. The recommendations of the Council were: — (1) That the State Department of Agriculture should encourage with every means at their disposal, a substantial expansion of the poultry industry in the wheat belt, where practicable. (2) That subject to further confirmation by the British Government, the pig industry should likewise be expanded by the utilisation of wheat. (3) That wheat farmers should continue to associate sheep with general husbandry, and where areas are suitable for wool production this might be done on a moderately increasing scale. The position of the following products was also considered:— Linen flax: Arrangements have been made for the planting of 21,000 acres with seed already available in Australia and 400 tons recently received from Britain. Cotton: A five-year plan has been adopted in Queensland under subsidy by the Commonwealth Government aiming at the provision of Australia’s internal requirements of 60,000 bales. Tobacco: In July a very satisfactory conference between technical officers, growers and manufacturers, led to an understanding regarding acreage to be aimed at in the coming season and the extent of the purchase of the leaf of certain grades. The proposed increase of 7,500 acres may mean an additional 4,000.000 pounds of leaf if the immediate difficulties due to the shortage of finance labour and water supply can be overcome.