Fed: MP calls for more help for sugar industry

AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-2001
Fed: MP calls for more help for sugar industry

By Jordan Baker

TOWNSVILLE, Dec 14 AAP - National Party MP De-Anne Kelly today called on the federal
government to boost help to Australia's troubled sugar industry.

Mrs Kelly said Agriculture Minister Warren Truss should extend the family support component
of last year's sugar industry package.

The industry had been hit hard by events in the US, a poor 2001 crop yield and the
high costs of ploughing out the orange rust-prone Q124 cane variety, she said.

"This is not the time for the Australian Government to pull the rug on our cane farmers
by removing the household support they've been getting," she told ABC radio.

The United States this week decided to continue its protection of the US sugar industry,
which includes heavy subsidies and a quota system.

Possible free trade agreements, such as the one Australia hopes to negotiate with the
US, have also been hamstrung by the exclusion of deals on sugar protection.

Mrs Kelly, who is chairwoman of the coalition's sugar industry task force, said the
US decision was a blow to Australian sugar farmers.

AAP jb/sc/cjh/de

KEYWORD: SUGAR

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