BRADDON Liberal MHR, Gavin Pearce, says he will not tolerate dumped or subsidised imports damaging the region's agricultural sector.
Mr Pearce - a farmer himself - was speaking in response to questions about concerns Europe was looking to flood the Australian market with subsidised potato chips.
Some, including the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, argue that would threaten Tasmanian food processing and agricultural jobs.
Ausveg, potato growers and processors Simplot and McCain have also expressed concern and the union is planning a rally at Smithton and another in Ballarat, both on Friday.
The AMWU wants to send a message to the federal government (of which Mr Pearce is a part) to stop the feared flood or dumping of European chips not needed in Europe because of the coronavirus restrictions and subsequent drop in demand.
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"I'm a huge supporter of free trade, but I will not tolerate dumped or subsidised imports damaging our vital agriculture sector," Mr Pearce said on Tuesday.
"There are a range of trade remedy options that can be taken under the World Trade Organisation rules which allow Australia to take remedial action against imports which are causing, or threaten to cause, injury to a domestic industry.
"These tools include anti-dumping action and countervailing duty action conducted by the Anti-Dumping Commission and safeguard action conducted by the Productivity Commission."
Mr Pearce said he had been called by industry people concerned about the issue in recent months and had been in regular contact with trade minister Simon Birmingham.
He said Senator Birmingham's office was very closely monitoring the importing of potatoes.
Mr Pearce said a spokesperson for Senator Birmingham's office told him on Tuesday the office was not aware of "any sufficient evidence of a surge in potato imports".
Mr Pearce said he would ensure the Minister's office continued to monitor the situation closely.
