JAKARTA: The Indonesian Government has shifted away from the quarterly permit system of importing Australian cattle and has issued 200,000 permits for the first “trimester” of 2016. The Australian Live Exporters Council (ALEC) said it has received confirmation that permits will be allocated every four months, rather than every three.
ALEC CEO Alison Penfold welcomed the change, but said industry would continue to push for annual allocations. “This is a step forward from quarterly permits and that is certainly progress,” she said.
“Ultimately what we have been pushing for is for the annual numbers to be announced several months before the start of the permit year. “That gives us an opportunity to plan the logistics around the export year to Indonesia.”
Late on Tuesday afternoon ALEC confirmed the first allocation of permits for 2016, tweeting that Indonesian import permits for the first trimester (January to April) had been issued for a total of 200,000 feeder cattle.
The first cattle ship of the year to Indonesia is expected to leave Darwin Port later in the week. Federal Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce has welcomed the news and said the Indonesian Government is expected to import a total of 600,000 head for 2016.
“After our recent trip to Indonesia it is a very welcome sign to see the overall level of quota being maintained and movement towards an annual quota,” Minister Joyce said. “This really is great news for both the people of Indonesia and cattle producers in Australia. “For some time we have said that the certainty of an annual quota would benefit not only Australian producers, but also consumers and processors in Indonesia.
“This news is certainly a step in the right direction,” he said. “Our live cattle trade is a big contributor to the economies of both nations, as well as the livelihoods and wellbeing of Indonesians and Australians.
“Australia’s relationship with Indonesia in the live cattle export industry is becoming stronger by the day. This is a win-win situation for both those in Indonesia who value add and for farmers in Australia who it supports. “While we respect Indonesia’s right to make decisions with regards to their imports, a periodic quota system makes for an uncertain trading environment.
“Indonesia is our closest trading partner and our economic futures are closely linked. It’s a relationship that we place a great deal of importance on, and it’s built on mutual trust and respect.
“The Australian Government will continue to work closely with the Indonesian Government to ensure the trade in live cattle is meeting both our countries’ needs and policies. “That is why we continue to highlight what we think are the benefits of an annual system to both our nations.
“Good inter-governmental relations between Indonesia and ourselves make this job so much easier. “We will continue to strive to be a reliable exporter of quality and safe agrifood products, and this government will continue to support the livestock export trade and the returns this trade brings to many farmgates.”
