13 Jul 1999 08:02:33 +1200

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Coddington - NZ Farmers Should Look to Their Own Game

Libertarianz Deputy Emeritus Deborah Coddington says New Zealand farmers should clean up their own act before complaining about US tariffs on lamb.

"Observe the hypocrisy of the agricultural industry here. On the one hand they're jumping up and down about free trade and how the whole country will be affected by this decision of Clinton's, and on the other hand the pork industry is lobbying for protection from cheap Australian and Canadian pork imports."

"When has the agricultural industry here ever supported freedom, let alone free trade?" she asks "When will a pipfruit grower be free from the restraints of trade inflicted on him by his own government? When will a dairy producer be free to sell his product to whomsoever he chooses overseas? Why should a meat exporter have to apply for a licence to export from Meat NZ?"

"NZ farmers - with their constant gin-slurping forays to Wellington - are the authors of their own misfortune," continues Coddington "and until they get out of their own protectionist bunkers and look at what free trade really means, they will continue to be treated like the peasants they show themselves to be."

ENDS

For more information contact:

Deborah Coddington
LIBERTARIANZ DEPUTY EMERITUS
Contact Libertarianz Media Coordinator on (025) 861 927,e-mail: organon@ihug.co.nz

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