NZ seeks new dairy markets

17 March 1998

NZ seeks new dairy markets

MILK producers in New Zealand are increasingly alarmed at falling demand for dairy products in South East Asia.

The knock-on effects of the Asian economic crisis have already caused the world price for milk powder to slump by US$100/ t this year alone, says Neville Martin of the New Zealand Dairy Board (NZDB).

This means New Zealands unsubsidised farmers face a tougher-than-expected year, Mr Martin says. Drought in eastern parts of the country are forcing farmers to dry off their cows unusually early, he adds.

• Financial Times 17/03/98 page 37