Fed: Dairy farmers urge MPs to support FTA

AAP General News (Australia)
04-20-2004
Fed: Dairy farmers urge MPs to support FTA

The dairy industry is urging MPs to support Australia's free trade agreement with the
US as a parliamentary committee continues public hearings on the deal in Melbourne.

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has heard submissions from unions, a free
trade advocate, accountants and environmentalists on the impact the agreement.

The trade agreement is yet to be passed by the US Congress and the Australian parliament.

Australian Dairy Industry Council chairman ALLAN BURGESS says the agreement would give
his industry a great boost and he wants MPs to support it.

Dairy exporters have been hit hard by the drought and by the strengthening Australian
dollar, and he says the US agreement provides a much needed confidence boost.

The increased quota is expected to increase dairy exports to the US by about $50 million
in the first year.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD, who is touring regional Victoria, says the agreement
will lock Australia into the world's biggest economy and drive business growth.

AAP RTV apw/dk/wz/rp

KEYWORD: TRADE (MELBOURNE)

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