June 21, 2011

Indonesian farmers see hope in cattle import halt

Peasant farmers in Indonesia hope the temporarily cessation of live cattle imports from Australia will enable them to be more self reliant.

The Peasant Farmers Union said more than two million smallholder farmers each produce two cattle a year for meat.

The union's Henry Saragih said the Indonesian Government should provide more support for local farmers, to help them compete with cheaper imports.

He said the economies of scale in other countries mean the price for imported food is cheaper.

"Like the cattle from Australia, soy from US, rice from Vietnam, fruit from China, milk from China or NZ, this is difficult for us."