NSW: Cheap pork imports threatening Australian farmers

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2000
NSW: Cheap pork imports threatening Australian farmers

SYDNEY, Feb 11 AAP - Cheap pork imports are threatening the jobs of 1000 New South
Wales pig farmers, the Australian Labor Party claimed today.

Labor MP Wayne Smith, has called on the federal government to protect the state's $200
million pork industry after a sharp rise in imports from Canada and Denmark.

Industry figures released today show pork imports have reached an all-time high, with
3,530 tonnes of the meat entering the country last year.

"Australian pork producers are among the most efficient in the world, but they are
battling to compete with the heavy subsidies offered to Canadian and Danish companies,"

Mr Smith, the member for South Coast, said in a statement.

"If imports keep rising, Australia will be facing major job losses in the pork industry
in centres like the south coast, Tamworth, Forbes, Albury, Wagga Wagga, Cowra and Tweed."

AAP km/wjf/was

KEYWORD: PORK

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.