Diversification of the New Zealand export lamb markets: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce with Honours in Economics in the University of Canterbury

Abstract

1.1 Statement of the Problem : There has been concern in the past with the obvious dependence placed on particular agricultural export markets. This has led some of New Zealand's major agricultural exporting boards to institute market diversification schemes, with the primary objective of reducing this dependence. New Zealand's overseas markets for lamb were for many years heavily dependent on the United Kingdom. In the early 1960's, well over 903 of New Zealand lamb exports were destined for the United Kingdom. Initially fuelled by the desire to seek out new markets, and then by the fear of drastic falls in demand as a result of the United Kingdom joining the European Economic community, the New Zealand Meat Producers' Board initiated a market diversification scheme which aimed at reducing the dependence on the United Kingdom by finding new markets for its lamb products. However, there have been few attempts to evaluate these schemes in any comprehensive manner. 1.2 Purpose of the Paper : The purpose of this paper is to study the diversification schemes of the New Zealand Meat Producers' Board and to evaluate the success of these policies. This will be done by establishing the objectives of the schemes and determining whether the objectives have been achieved.