AUSTRALIAN meat exports to the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia are set to benefit from a $827,860 government grant.
The grant was awarded to the Red Meat Advisory Council under the Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation program, boosting beef, sheep meat and goat meat exports.
It supports the Australian Red Meat Market Expansion Program, which is a partnership between the Australian Meat Industry Council, Cattle Council of Australia and Sheep Producers Australia.
Minister for agriculture and northern Australia David Littleproud said the grant would secure the nation’s red meat and livestock exports.
“The coming decade presents significant challenges in the industry’s export markets through competition, changes to market access requirements and consumer preferences,” he said.
“The focus will be on technical market access, trade facilitation and capturing and maximising opportunities to grow export volumes and values in key export markets.”
Mr Littleproud said a cross-cultural partnership of Red Meat Advisory Council members plan to use the fund to promote the uptake of an electronic health certification system among high growth markets.
The members also intend to draw attention to Australia’s regulatory export system for halal red meat exports.
“A new cultural exchange program for young cattle producers will also build stronger international relationships, and the development of a sheep meat export strategy will support producers to better understand market requirements to maximise returns,” Mr Littleproud said.
Red Meat Advisory Council CEO Alastair James said the Australian Red Meat Market Expansion Program is expected to capitalise on recent trade achievements, such as the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, and the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement.
Under the agreement with India, sheep meat tariffs of 30% will be eliminated, providing a boost for Australian exports that already command nearly 20% of India’s market.
“Our Red Meat Market Expansion Program will complement and build on [standard regulation company] Meat & Livestock Australia’s three new locally engaged business development consultants in South-East Asia and the Middle East/North Africa,” Mr James said.
“The grant will help reduce non-tariff trade barriers and increase understanding and recognition of the value of Australian red meat exports as we aim to double sales by 2030,” he said.
“The electronic certification rollout by government, supported by industry programs will reduce the burdens to business including the loss of shelf-life waiting for paper certification.”
