Friday 22 December 2017
This morning I have spoken to Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud to convey the seriousness of the impact of India’s 30 per cent tariff on chickpeas and lentils on Victorian farmers.
Victoria’s chickpea and lentil farmers have battled frost hail and heavy rains in the past months. India’s decision to impose a 30 per cent tariff effective immediately has hit our hard working farmers at the worst possible time.
The imposition of a tariff without warning and during harvest time is not the way to manage trade relationships.
I have encouraged the Federal Government to take the strongest possible action on behalf of Victoria’s chickpea and lentil farmers.