Live Export
Viable
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The live animal export trade is inherently cruel and could be
effectively replaced by a chilled meat export trade, with broad
benefits.
Australia already provides sheep meat and beef to every
significant market for live sheep and cattle.
A growth in Westernised supermarkets in many countries and
broader access to refrigeration is reducing the importance of the
‘souk’ (the traditional marketplace) as a distribution channel for
live animals. Just like in Australia, many people in importing
countries seek convenience and prefer to buy meat rather than a
live animal.
Australia is well placed to capitalise on the growing market
for chilled meat across the Middle East and Southeast Asia: many
Australian abattoirs currently have approved Halal programs,
meaning they can export processed meat to markets with this
requirement.
The potential for chilled meat exports to substitute for live
exports is recognised by key players in the Australian
meat-processing sector and Islamic communities in Australia.
Research demonstrates that a switch from live export to a
chilled meat trade need not impact adversely on farmers. The 2000
Heilbron report into the industry found that there was a
‘negligible impact’ on livestock producers in New Zealand, when
live export of young lambs was banned. The report found that
improved processing productivity and efficiency can counteract and
potentially more than offset the adverse impacts of restricting
live exports.
Numerous reports have found that live exports compete directly
with exports of processed meats in the same markets, suggesting
the demise of the former would be compensated by a boost in the
latter.
The Keniry Report found that part of the live export revenue
would be recovered from ‘cross-substitution’ with the chilled meat
export sector, if the live export trade ceased operating.
For as long as live exports continue, chilled meat exports will
not realise their potential.
An enhanced chilled meat trade would provide abattoir jobs and
benefit farming communities as a whole, promoting employment and
income where they’re most needed – in Australia!
What you can do to help
Make your voice heard! Write to the
Australian Government Minister for Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry, your
State or Territory
Primary Industry / Agriculture Minister,
your
local MP and to local newspapers (click
here for the contact details of major newspapers). Express
your opposition to the live export of animals for slaughter.
When writing your letter, feel free to use any of the
information provided on our website. Your letter will have even
more impact if you keep it focused on why banning live exports
matters to you. It’s the personal touch that counts!
See the
Media Releases section for more information.
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