What we do
MLA’s vision is for enduring prosperity for the Australian red meat and livestock industry.
MLA’s purpose is to deliver world leading outcomes that fuel global competitiveness, sustainability and producer profitability.
MLA works in partnership with the red meat industry and the Australian Government to deliver marketing, research and development products and services to beef, sheep and goat producers.
Research, development and adoption
MLA invests in world-class research, development and adoption projects to increase the productivity and profitability of Australia’s cattle, sheep and goat businesses.
As at 30 June 2024, MLA had a total portfolio of 446 current research contracts valued at $528.9 million.
MLA invested $183.3 million in a range of research, development and adoption programs during 2024−2025. This included $89.1 million invested through the MLA Donor Company. This investment includes matching funds from the Australian Government and grants.
Marketing, market access and insights
During 2024−2025 MLA invested $98.9 million in marketing, market access and insights to grow demand for Australian red meat and livestock domestically and abroad. The majority of this investment was ineligible to be matched with funds from the Australian Government.
Prices & Markets
MLA’s market information and analysis service provides the industry with free, timely, accurate and independent market information.
Marketing campaigns
Marketing activities undertaken on behalf of the Australian industry are focused on the domestic consumer – the primary source of demand.
International markets
Australia exports red meat to over 100 countries with the Aussie Beef & Lamb brand underpinning MLA's international marketing activities globally.
Accelerating innovation
The MLA Donor Company (MDC) is a fully-owned subsidiary of MLA. The MDC receives funding from the Commonwealth of Australia under a Statutory Funding Agreement (SFA) to invest in eligible research and development (R&D).
The MDC’s purpose is to act an investment vehicle to accelerate innovation across the value chain to ensure Australia’s red meat and livestock industry remains competitive on the world stage.
It does this by attracting commercial investment from individual enterprises and others that share a mutual interest to co-invest in innovation that will benefit the industry.
Integrity, safety and traceability
Integrity Systems, manages the delivery of Australia’s world-leading red meat and livestock quality assurance programs:
National Livestock Identification System (NLIS)
The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is Australia's system for the identification and traceability of cattle, sheep and goats. It provides information through the identification and traceability of livestock that underpins market access for Australian red meat globally.
Livestock Production Assurance program (LPA)
Livestock Production Assurance program (LPA) is an independently audited, on‐farm assurance program covering food safety, animal welfare and biosecurity. It provides evidence of livestock history and on-farm practices when transferring livestock through the value chain.
National Vendor Declarations (NVD)
National Vendor Declaration (NVD) is required for any movement of livestock to processors, saleyards or between properties if they have different property identification codes (PICs).
