Tractor convoy ready for protest rumble

By Philippa Stevenson

agricultural editor

A farmer protester intends putting nearly 200 tractors on Auckland streets during Apec after the Prime Minister refused an invitation to discuss free trade.

Yesterday, the protest organiser, Marlborough sheep and cattle farmer Andrew Barker, again invited Jenny Shipley to address conference in Blenheim in order to head off the protest.

The Marlborough Federated Farmers vice-president and district councillor said he had continued to organise the convoy.

Federated Farmers national leaders oppose the move but Mr Barker said he had local support and in the North Island about 175 tractors and transport trucks ready to converge on central Auckland on Sunday.

He regretted the disruption it might cause to Aucklanders but felt committed to showing that free trade lacked support "in the heartland".

Many farmers were angry that only in July American President Bill Clinton placed tariffs on New Zealand and Australian lamb imports into the US, and frustrated that Apec leaders focused on business while forgetting about people.

Mrs Shipley's office responded to Mr Barker late yesterday but he rejected the reasons given for refusing the invitation and said the protest would go ahead.

"It appears she is willing to discuss and listen to leaders of the world on the subject of free trade but is not prepared to come and get the views of people of the heartland," he said.

Apec police spokesman Detective Sergeant Allan Boreham said groups had a right to lawful protest but warned that tractors on the motorway needed to be registered, have a current warrant of fitness "and be able to maintain the legal speed limit."

Meanwhile, major lamb exporter Affco said the approximate $45 million cost over three years of the US tariffs, which came into effect from July 22, would be paid by American consumers.

Chief executive Ross Townshend said tariff costs would be "taken out of the marketplace."

"There will be a limited effect [on farmers] as we put the price increases in but it will be minor," he said.

The price rises would not change the company's ability to sell product and it hoped to sell more this year, he said.

"I think a lot of our customers were as disappointed as we were and have been relatively willing to accept a price increase; so the American consumer should be paying their own subsidy for their own farmers shouldn't they."