March 9, 2009
West Australian beef sector in trouble on exporter issues
West Australia's beef processing industry may be in trouble due to problems concerning the state's only major accredited export beef processor - Harvey Beef.
Beef producers are facing processing disruption, limited outlets and competition for their products in West Australia, a state that is dependent on red meat exports, said Pastoralists and Graziers' Association president Rob Gillam.
Harvey Beef has revealed early this year it had been hit hard by the global economic crisis, with demand falling due to the lack of credit.
Workers have rejected a 20-percent pay cut and their representative union was concerned over the conditions and wanted to know more about Harvey's financial standing.
Harvey also suspended operations for a week to lower stockpiles and to commence a restructure, which saw CEO Michael Rapattoni stepping down from his position.
