Committee Milk Inquiry 'A Parliament Too Early’

"Federated Farmers recommends that the inquiry find New Zealanders are not paying too much for milk relative to other countries and that our market is operating effectively," says Willy Leferink, Federated Farmers Dairy chairperson.

"The fact is MAF, the Ministry of Economic Development and the Treasury are doing work that could vitally inform any future Select Committee. This work was started some months before the Commerce Select Committee decided to look into milk and will continue well after this Committee reports."

"Federated Farmers knows there's a huge amount interest of interest in the price of milk. This interest has come from members of the public concerned about the retail price of milk. Its also come from independent processors concerned about the price they have to pay for raw milk."

"However, our submission shows that milk isn't some smoking gun. Despite public concern, the retail price of milk has not increased by more than many other foods, many non-food items in the consumer price index."

"The Commerce Commission has also considered this question and found that such an inquiry ‘was not warranted'."

"The Commission also noted, "it is questionable whether Fonterra has scope to exercise substantial market power in relation to the supply of raw milk to other processors. The [Raw Milk] Regulations provide an access regime for raw milk and are designed to counter Fonterra's market power."

"There's also nothing stopping other processors from entering the consumer milk market."

"While we do not agree this inquiry is necessary, it gives us a chance to put some facts across from the farmer's perspective. New Zealanders are not paying too much for milk relative to other countries and our market is operating effectively," Mr Leferink concluded.