March 2, 2010

Import plans anger Australian beef producers

Riverina beef producers have joined their colleagues from other regions in opposing the introduction of imported meat from the US.

The Federal Government is set to lift a 10-year ban on beef imports from countries that have experienced mad cow disease, or BSE, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, endangering one of Australia's most important industries.

While authorities said there is little risk of the disease spreading to Australia, farmers said the nation's clean agricultural image was vital and needed to be upheld.

Beef is one of the Riverina's major industries and supports hundreds of jobs outside of primary production, including Cargills, stock agents and "Ag and Vet" businesses.

More than 1,000 producers and industry players rallied in the NSW city of Armidale over the weekend, demanding for major changes to the industry. They demanded the government to reverse its decision to allow imports from countries affected by BSE.

Meanwhile, four abattoirs have closed in eastern Australia in the last month, including the meat works at Young.