Ferry expansion sought - farmers weekly

23 APRIL 1999 ------------------------- FERRY EXPANSION SOUGHT FARMERS Ferry wants more producers to sign up to share the cost of its live export operation. The company suggests the delivery

of 700,000 sheep into overseas markets has boosted prices. But the shipments have been financed largely by the 6000 farmers who have paid their membership fees, it claims. "Are you

comfortable with taking the benefits this service has brought the industry without contributing to its development?" Farmers Ferrys David Owen asks producers in a recently released

statement. However, establishing the effect of live exports on prices is hard to calculate, says Meat and Livestock Commission economist Lesley Green. "What we can say is exports helped

alleviate a very difficult position last autumn when high numbers of lambs were coming forward. John Thorley, secretary of the National Sheep Association, accepts the value of the export

option, but said the association could not encourage producers to contribute the £100 for the first 100 ewes in a flock and £20 per 100 ewes thereafter being asked by the company. "Its

really up to Farmers Ferry to make the case and producers conscience to decide whether to contribute. However, in my book, having that export route is invaluable," he says. The

farmer-led company also wants dairy producers to come on board, predicting that the resumption of live calf exports will boost domestic prices. Calf values in EU mainland are between £50-100

higher than domestic values, it says. Although that might happen, the MLCs Duncan Sinclair says there is no immediate urgency since live deliveries are unlikely to resume for some time. A

MAFF spokesman confirms this, saying the government is "less than keen" on live exports.