THE FEDERAL government has upped its cash support for those involved in Australia’s live sheep export chain to $139.7 million.

In a 15 October media release the government said it would add $32.7 million to the $64.6 million already promised in its bid to phase-out live sheep exports by sea.

The release said the extra investment will support more jobs for regional communities in Western Australia, and paves the way for farmers, particularly in Western Australia, to supply what it said was the rapidly growing global demand for sheepmeat. 

Federal and state governments would work together to deliver the package which will include processing capacity grants and community wellbeing support. 

Included in the $139.7 million package is $27 million for activities to enhance market demand, aimed at exploring market development opportunities and advocating for Australian products at home and overseas. 

“This program will focus on increasing demand and sales of sheepmeat in Australia and globally, and to diversify opportunities for Australian agricultural and food products to the Middle East and North Africa region. 

Agriculture minister, Julie Collins has approved the grant opportunity guidelines for the first round in the $4.4 million Enhancing Market Demand Program. Submissions will be accepted from 8 November. 

Further initiatives in the $27 million program include: $3 million for Meat & Livestock Australia focused on sheepmeat market promotion here in Australia and overseas; $8.6 million for agriculture counsellors in Dubai and Riyadh to support regional trade relationships and new and expanded market opportunities for Australian sheep products; and $9 million for Austrade to promote Australian sheep products globally and support broad growth in Australian agri-food trade in the Middle East and North Africa region.

“The Government is committed to working with industry on this important transition through a co-design process to prioritise the assistance that producers and supply chain businesses need to plan, respond and adapt,” the release said.  

“This will ensure that the additional funding is focussed on the future strength and sustainability of the industry and increase alignment of assistance measures with transition needs.” 

The government committed to phase out export of live sheep by sea as part of election commitments made in 2019 and 2022.