Monday, 06 February 2012
| Livestock Exports |
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The Livestock Export Industry is an integral part of the Australian agricultural economy contributing AUD 1.8 billion each year to Australia's gross domestic product. The live sheep export trade has grown substantially since 1985 when around 1000 sheep were exported annually from Western Australia to Singapore. Today, the trade is crucial to the sustainability of Australia’s sheep producers and provides a vital contribution to regional and rural communities throughout Australia and overseas. Australian live sheep exports were valued at $298 million in 2009-10. The live sheep export trade also underpins sheep prices received throughout the domestic markets in Australia.
The principal live sheep export markets include The Middle East is Australia's largest overseas market for live sheep. Around 3 million sheep were exported to the Middle East in 2009-10, with Kuwait taking the largest shipments (around 31%), followed by Bahrain (around 19%) and Qatar (around 12%). In its response to the Independent Livestock Export Review (Farmer Review), the Australian Government has made it clear that as the livestock export industry transitions to the new regulatory framework in 2012 industry should focus on improving animal welfare outcomes as it continues to trade.
In line with this, on October 26 2011 SCA outlined the sheepmeat industry’s plan to assure the welfare of Australian sheet in major Middle Eastern markets in advance of the framework implementation. Under the plan, industry is proactively working in its three major sheep export markets – Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait – where importers and importing governments have agreed to end private sales of Australian sheep to unknown slaughter points, including during the religious festival Eid al Adha. Instead, sheep will be processed in onsite or nearby facilities that comply with global animal welfare standards. SCA has directed the sheepmeat industry’s service provider, Meat & Livestock Australia, to work with commercial operators in the three markets in implementing necessary changes for Eid al Adha through the provision of specialist animal welfare skills and on the ground resources. Complementing the industry’s plan, Australia’s livestock exporters are implementing plans through their supply chains to improve animal welfare outcomes in all Middle East markets. Eid al Adha is one of the largest annual celebrations on the Muslim calendar. During the festival Muslims are required to sacrifice animals as an act of obedience to Allah. One third of the meat from these animals is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one third is given away to friends and one third is donated to the poor. In 2011, Eid al Adha will be observed between November 6 and 9.
Animal Care and Management The livestock export industry aims for continuous improvement to livestock management, health and welfare throughout the entire supply chain from on-farm through to post-arrival at the destination. To help achieve these aims Australia’s livestock industries invest heavily in research and development programs and initiatives to improve the animal welfare outcomes throughout the entire supply chain.
Australia’s ongoing involvement in the trade is positively influencing animal care and welfare outcomes globally.
For example Australia, unlike any other country, has animal welfare experts based in the Middle East to provide practical training to stockmen and veterinarians on how to work with, handle and transport Australian animals and to assist in upgrading infrastructure such as abattoirs, ports and feedlots.
In 2007 99.03% of the 3.75 million sheep exported by sea arrived at their destination fit and healthy. Australia is regarded as the world leader in the regulation and management of the export of livestock, regulated by the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL). The ASEL covers all aspects of preparation of livestock for the voyage, from farm through to onboard management. Livestock ships follow strict requirements governed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). For more information visit: Meat and Livestock Australia LiveCorp Live Export Care DAFF Animal Transport Care |