Endorsement for Australian red meat strategy

Endorsement for Australian red meat strategy from Meat & Wool New Zealand

Meat & Wool New Zealand says Australia’s meat industry is to be commended for the progress it has made with the development of a red meat strategy for the next five years.

Chairman, Mike Petersen says this is exactly the approach that Meat & Wool New Zealand has been calling for in this country.

“The Australian strategy outlines priorities for achieving growth in the sector, including the areas of environment and ethics, market access, marketing and promotion and their big push will be to bring together a fragmented industry lobby that speaks with one voice.

“We don’t suffer that same fragmentation in lobbying as claimed by the Australian entities that have sponsored their report, but our industry would clearly benefit from a more coordinated approach to innovation and in the market.”

Mr Petersen said it had to be noted that the Australians were making a commitment to a strategy that focused on export markets, in spite of the fact that 55 percent of their sheepmeat was sold domestically.

“We export over 90 percent of our sheepmeat and beef, and if we do not push ahead with own strategy we run the risk of losing our place as world leaders on the global stage.

“Farmers have given us a clear message that they want the strategy work to be completed to provide a roadmap for the next 10 years. Like the Australians, our strategy will take a total supply chain approach, in partnership with New Zealand companies so that industry investment is directed to the areas that are relevant and add value for farmers.”

“The Australians have recognized the strength of working together in areas of common interest, and we are keen to facilitate this approach at home also.”

ENDS

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