Australian red meat industry unveils strategic plan

Heightened focus on animal welfare and continued access to export markets are two key themes in a strategic plan for Australia red meat industry unveiled Thursday (August 19).

 

Agriculture Minister Tony Burke said the plan aims to ensure that the industry, which in fiscal 2008-09 exported beef and live cattle valued at A$5.7 billion (US$4.74 million) and sheep meat and live sheep valued at A$1.8 billion and that amounted to a "big chunk of the domestic economy," will be stronger in 2015 than it is now.

 

The strategic plan calls for the industry to enhance its animal welfare programs because "it the right thing to do in making sure that we continue to harness and improve those export markets," he said, while later reiterating ongoing support for the live animal trade.

 

Australia global leadership in animal welfare ensures it is consulted widely by other countries, including Middle Eastern customer countries, on how to best look after livestock, he said.

 

Access to the more than 100 countries to which Australia exports red meat is a key priority for the industry, given that about two-thirds of domestic red meat production is exported, according to the strategy.

 

The strategy calls for the industry to focus significant efforts on trade facilitation, including trade reform.

 

It also recommended that the industry unify its lobbying efforts and promote a single coordinated voice to "reshape and reinvigorate relationships within industry and with the government."

 

A focus on marketing to overseas consumers will aim to achieve profitable growth in demand for Australian red meat and livestock, according to the strategy.

 

Australia is the world's second biggest exporter of beef after Brazil.

 

US$1 = A$1.20 (August 20)