April 17, 2008

Indonesian farmers oppose government's plan to import Brazilian beef
 

Farmers and veterinarian's in Indonesia oppose their government's plan to import beef from Brazil due to the possible recurrence of foot-and-mouth disease.

A number of major associations representing farmers, veterinarians and cow breeders have urged the government to abandon the plan, saying that Brazil is not yet completely free from FMD.

According to these associations, importing beef from Brazil may put Indonesia's FMD-free status at risk.

At present, Indonesia buys beef from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US.

Earlier this month, the Indonesian government unveiled a plan to purchase beef from Brazil and Uruguay to meet domestic demand.

Beef production in Indonesia reached 344,800 tonnes last year, while consumption was 396,600 tonnes. The country imported 64,100 tonnes of beef last year.