Red meat rebound
The red meat sector is poised for a strong rebound this season, with export receipts forecast to top $10 billion and farm profitability to almost double.
The Sheepmeat Council of Australia (supported by Meat & Livestock Australia), Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Organismo de la Unidad Nacional de Ovinocultores ('the National Mexican Sheep Producers Organisation') all signed the agreement, which will aim to build sheepmeat demand globally.
Other common objectives include animal health and welfare, food safety, environmental sustainability, and industry profitability. Beef + Lamb New Zealand director Andy Fox says there are considerable advantages to be gained by working together to further these objectives.
"The Australian and New Zealand sheepmeat industries are seeking to build relationships with producer organisations from around the world. The reality is sheepmeat faces strong competition in the marketplace from other protein sources. It is important the sheepmeat industry works together to promote our premium product," Fox says.
Sheepmeat Council of Australia vice-president Jeff Murray says the agreement will benefit producers in all three countries.
"By working with the Mexican industry, Australia and New Zealand can help grow their domestic production and increase the consumption of sheepmeat. It's a win-win for all parties," Murray says.
Juan de Dios Arteaga from the National Mexican Sheep Producers Organisation says: "Working with New Zealand and Australia on matters that are not strictly commercial, without a doubt will help Mexico to keep its process of increasing productivity and increase demand of lamb which will benefit the three countries."
The agreement outlines a number of areas where cooperative actions have the potential to bring mutual benefits including:
• Research and development, especially sharing the results of the Organisations' respective research and development work in relation to animal production.
• Information-sharing on the Organisations' respective approaches to industry systems, including food safety and animal traceability.
• Marketing and promotion, and especially sharing relevant experiences of building demand for meat products among domestic and international consumers.
• Information-sharing on global sheepmeat market developments.
Australia, Mexico and New Zealand intend to work together to further these shared objectives wherever practicable.
