Historic Legislation Passed

Thursday, September 20 2001 Owen Jennings Press Releases -- Rural

The deregulation of the apple and dairy industries represents the boldest, but most positive step in the history of those industries, ACT Agriculture Spokesman Owen Jennings said today.

"This is truly a momentous day. The shackles of the single desk selling monopoly have been removed, and the industries face competitive purchasing for the first time in decades.

"The need for new ideas, new technology, new capital, and new marketing arrangements is the real driver for deregulation. The old, less efficient, monopoly approach curtailed the industry's growth and development. The more sophisticated consumer and the demanding grocery multiples make competitive marketing a requirement.

"The politics that have bedevilled the industries will be replaced with a more commercial market focus that will benefit customers and producers alike.

"With favourable market conditions, a low dollar and hopefully another good growing year, farmers and growers can look forward positively, and with some certainty," Owen Jennings said.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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