Welcome to The Dairy Mail

 26 May 2009

 PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY BERTUS DE JONGH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF MPO HOLDINGS

 MPO keeps an eye on US dairy imports
The American government’s decision to re-institute the country’s Dairy Export Incentive Programme (DEIP), is contradictory to the spirit of the World Trade Organisation’s agreement in this regard. “It is a pity that the powers to be are prepared to harm other countries’ economy in a bid to save their own,” said Bertus de Jongh, chief executive officer of the Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO), in reaction to the announcement.

In order to protect local milk producers against possible imports from the USA, the MPO has instructed its inspectorate, Agri Inspec, to be on the lookout for subsidised imports. The MPO is already in contact with the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac) and the Department of Agriculture concerning the dairy export incentive scheme currently instituted by the European Union and now also by America.

“Milk producers can be assured that the MPO will do everything in its power to ensure that these products do not enter South Africa without penalty,” said De Jongh. “The MPO will not hesitate to apply for contra-rights on subsidised imports.”

For more information, contact Bertus de Jongh on 012 843 5600, 082 552 0594 or e-mail bertus.dejongh@mposa.co.za.