19 July 2013

EXPORTERS GEAR UP TO SUPPLY ADDITIONAL CATTLE TO INDONESIA

Finding suitable cattle and shipping capacity are the key immediate priorities for exporters as they gear up to take advantage of the Indonesian Governments decision to release permits for 25,000 head of slaughter ready cattle, Alison Penfold, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Livestock Exporters Council said today. Exporters have welcomed the Indonesian Governments decision to release additional quota for slaughter ready cattle for import over the next three months and we now wait for permits to be supplied to enable shipments to be prepared, Ms Penfold said. There are important logistical and regulatory processes that must be followed but exporters are eager to assist Indonesia with additional cattle ready for slaughter as soon as possible. This will certainly be hearty news for many producers in northern Australian who may have suitable stock available. We recognise that the supply situation has become critical in Indonesia and it is vital that we move as quickly as possible to export cattle to the market. ALEC has long said that we stand ready to work with Indonesia to meet their food secur ity needs. While we would like to see more long term policy certainty and stability around import numbers, exporters will work hard to fulfil orders at short notice. In achieving this outcome, ALEC and its members would like to acknowledge the significa nt efforts of the Prime Minister and Ministers for Agriculture from the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australian Governments in helping to secure additional cattle export opportunities to Indonesia. Ms Penfold said that animal welfare concerns will continue to be a priority for exporters as these additional cattle flow through the export supply chain. The directive issued by the Ministry of Trade includes a requirement that cattle must only enter Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) approved supply chains. This will ensure that suitable controls are in place to deliver humane treatment and slaughter and the welfare of cattle will continue to be overseen by Animal Welfare Officers in approved facilities. Over 2000 Indonesians involved in the care, handling and slaughter of Australian exported cattle have now been trained by Australians and Indonesians in welfare, handling and slaughter practices. This has been achieved through a great deal of cooperation and commitment by our Indonesian customers and their staff based on their shared interest in improving animal welfare. Ends Contact: Alison Penfold 0408 633 026