CANBERRA: Australian farmers welcomed a breakthrough which would allow them to export up to 1 million live cattle to China each year.
The government says the new market could open up within months.
Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce announced late yesterday that Australian and Chinese veterinary authorities were formalizing an agreement on animal health certification requirements, bringing commercial trade one step closer.
“I could not start with the numbers they wanted, in the past they have asked for a million a year but that is a target that we will build towards,” he told Fairfax Media. “We will start in the tens of thousands.”
The deal could help Australia earn A$1-A$2 billion (US$740 million-US$1.48 billion) each year from exports.
Brent Finlay, president of the National Farmers Federation, said: “The landmark agreement is a significant step towards new trade for Australian feeder and slaughter cattle into China and is testament to our reputation for high quality, safe and sustainable produce.’’
Finlay said the focus would now shift to negotiating the commercial agreements, establishing the exporter supply chain assurance system arrangements and securing import permits.
