Livestock exports
Australia is the world's leading supplier of high quality live cattle, sheep and goats to countries around the world, in particular throughout the Middle East and South-East Asia. Many countries across these regions do not have the resources or geography to efficiently produce enough livestock to feed their population. Australia meets the demand for essential red meat protein by exporting livestock for food production and breeding, as well as chilled and frozen meat products.
Limiting private sales of Australian sheep in the Middle East
The Sheepmeat Council of Australia has outlined a plan to assure the welfare of Australian sheep in major Middle Eastern markets, including during the annual Islamic religious festival Eid al Adha. The plan comes ahead of the implementation of a new regulatory framework for Australian livestock exports in 2012. Read more.
The Farmer Review
The new regulatory framework is in line with the recommendations for the Farmer Review released on Friday 21 October 2011. Read more.
Animal welfare concerns in Indonesia
Under the new livestock export regulatory framework, the responsibility for implementing the new supply chain assurance standards in Indonesia lies with the commercial operators - the exporters and importers. Read more.
Transporting livestock
Australia exports livestock by sea and air. The industry is recognised as having the world's highest animal welfare standards for livestock export. Australian live export operates under strict regulations and is committed to maintaining Australia's world leading reputation.
Live exporters must be licensed by the Australian Government and livestock vessels must meet strict requirements governed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. These standards, along with strict regulation and the industry's commitment to caring for livestock on their voyages overseas, mean that over 99% of all Australian animals arrive fit and healthy at their destinations.
Export destination facilities and livestock care
At the export destinations, livestock are cared for by trained stockmen in feedlots where they have constant access to food, fresh water and shade. Australian animal welfare experts are based in export locations and regularly deliver animal welfare training and education programs and make improvements to infrastructure and livestock facilities.
Livestock industry participants
In addition to providing much needed protein for global communities, the livestock export industry also supports the livelihoods of thousand of farming families and communities. The industry employs 13,000 people across rural and regional Australia and is worth $1.8 billion to the Australian economy. The industry is also vital in underpinning livestock prices for sheep, cattle and goat producers across Australia by providing an additional market for livestock.
Industry partnership
MLA and LiveCorp invest levies paid by Australian red meat producers and exporters into supporting and fostering the industry through the Livestock Export Program. The joint MLA and LiveCorp initiative invests in activities and tools to improve the trade both in Australia, onboard livestock vessels and overseas.
The key topics the Livestock Export Program focuses on are:
- Livestock management and welfare
- Market access and trade development
- Supply chain improvements
- Communications and industry stakeholder relationships
More information
Phone: 1800 675 717 (option 9)
Email: info@mla.com.au
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