Minister for Agriculture Senator Joe Ludwig opens the way for Indonesian live cattle trade to resume with tough new export controls on the supply chain
July 7, 2011
Minister for Agriculture Senator Joe Ludwig has opened the way for the Indonesian live cattle trade to resume with tough new export controls.
The Minister
says the new orders he has issued allow the export of live cattle only where animals can be managed through supply chains that meet international standards.
“These strict new conditions have been written into all export permits,” Ludwig says.
“They require exporters to trace cattle from properties, on to vessels, into feedlots and into abattoirs that meet agreed international standards.
“Permits will only be issued to those exporters who can demonstrate that this will be the case.”
Minister Ludwig says the appropriate standards to apply to the trade were those contained in the World Animal Health guidelines (OIE).
“Exporters will have to collect and make public data on the consignments they take to market, including where animals are fattened, how they are transported and where they are slaughtered.
“Supply chains will be verified by commercial independent auditors with the entire process to be independently audited on a regular basis. These audit reports will be made public.
“The Government understands that producers and other businesses participating in the industry have been doing it tough.
“These reforms will provide the industry with a sustainable long term future.
“We will continue to work closely with industry to ensure the welfare of Australian cattle remains at the heart of this trade – a trade that has a strong future,” he says.
The livestock industry has welcomed the
lifting of the ban on live cattle
exports to Indonesia, under the new conditions.
“This is an important first step for cattle producers, exporters and businesses impacted so heavily by the suspension,” the industry said in a joint statement.
“The recommencement of the trade will be gradual to those supply chains that meet approved international standards, but export volumes may not return to normal levels for a considerable period of time.
“While volumes remain below normal levels, producers in northern Australia will continue to suffer. “
The agencies, comprising the National Farmers’ Federation, Meat and Livestock Australia, the Australian Livestock Exporters Association, the Cattle Council of Australia, Agforce and others, add government and industry must now work together with Indonesia to bring additional facilities up to international standards.