March 25, 2009
Australia removes agricultural attaches from US and Europe
The Australian government has removed agricultural trade consultants from the US and the EU, two of Australia's largest trade partners, much to the concern of the domestic meat industry.
Agricultural attaches act as liaisons between governments in areas such as trade access.
Craig Burns from the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, said the removal was part of a restructuring.
Burns said over the past few years, the number of consultants has increased and extended into countries such as China and India. There are now 15 agricultural attaches worldwide.
Steve Martin from the Australian Meat Industry Council, said the US and the EU are two of the industry's most important markets and the attaches are important to their long-term access.
