Kelly
18-11-2010, 07:07 AM
The Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association applauds the Federal Government's decision to fund four projects that will improve animal welfare for live exports and support trade to overseas markets.
Federal Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig this week announced that his government will financially support projects to improve animal handling techniques in the Northern Territory's key live export markets in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.
NTCA president Rohan Sullivan said the NTCA recognises that good animal welfare also delivers improved productivity, production and economic returns, particularly in the live export sector.
"As a major supplier of food to families in Indonesia and South East Asia through live export, Australia must continue to be recognised as the world leader in animal welfare," he said.
"It is also our responsibility to influence animal welfare practices in our overseas markets, even where we may not supply livestock or control the production system."
Mr Sullivan said the announcement was a welcome reprieve from negative impacts on the live export industry this year brought about by Indonesia's cattle weight and quota restrictions, and four Members of Parliament threatening a private members motion aimed at halting the Australian live export trade.
"Mr Ludwig has demonstrated a commitment to the viability of our export trade in the face of opposition from within his own ranks, which we applaud," Mr Sullivan said.
"With growing input costs and trade restrictions, the Northern Territory cattleman's margins are continuing to tighten, so a signal of support for the industry by the minister is a welcome gesture."
Mr Sullivan said ongoing federal government support for the live cattle export trade will continue to grow the economic output of the NT, regional economies and local indigenous and other industry and employment in the Northern Territory."
Federal Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig this week announced that his government will financially support projects to improve animal handling techniques in the Northern Territory's key live export markets in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.
NTCA president Rohan Sullivan said the NTCA recognises that good animal welfare also delivers improved productivity, production and economic returns, particularly in the live export sector.
"As a major supplier of food to families in Indonesia and South East Asia through live export, Australia must continue to be recognised as the world leader in animal welfare," he said.
"It is also our responsibility to influence animal welfare practices in our overseas markets, even where we may not supply livestock or control the production system."
Mr Sullivan said the announcement was a welcome reprieve from negative impacts on the live export industry this year brought about by Indonesia's cattle weight and quota restrictions, and four Members of Parliament threatening a private members motion aimed at halting the Australian live export trade.
"Mr Ludwig has demonstrated a commitment to the viability of our export trade in the face of opposition from within his own ranks, which we applaud," Mr Sullivan said.
"With growing input costs and trade restrictions, the Northern Territory cattleman's margins are continuing to tighten, so a signal of support for the industry by the minister is a welcome gesture."
Mr Sullivan said ongoing federal government support for the live cattle export trade will continue to grow the economic output of the NT, regional economies and local indigenous and other industry and employment in the Northern Territory."