Couldnt agree more, we are already seeing it now where cheaper imports are forcing our farmers out of the industry. A friend of mine is a 3rd generation apple orchardist and a significant cost to his business is quality assurance, worksafe measures, minimum wages etc. Countries like China are landing apples here cheaper than he can produce them for and have none of these costs to worry about. 1 hour of labour here buys 30+ hours of labour in China for the same job! Much of the fertilizer needed to grow the apples comes from China where they have recently increased the export tariff by 100%. It seems not only have they ensured fertilizer supplies for their farmers, they have also ensured a competitive edge with their produce. He has currently got his farm on the market and at mid 40's looking at a new career away from farming.
