SOUTHERN Downs farmers can breathe a sigh of relief with Indonesia to boost Australian cattle imports.
After going back and forth for the last few months, Indonesia has announced they will increase import permits for Australian cattle to 200,000 head for Quarter 4 this year.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce welcomed the decision.
“Australia’s live export trade with Indonesia is a valuable trade that contributes significantly not only to the economies of both nations but also to the well-being and livelihoods of people in both nations,” Mr Joyce said.
“A strong and secure trade in cattle between Australia and Indonesia underpins affordable food security and prices in Indonesia, and provides security for Australian cattle exporters.
“It is pleasing to see a return to the volume industry would have expected to trade in this quarter, and I welcome Indonesia’s intent to import more of our quality livestock.”
Fears were raised in the Quarter 3 period when Indonesia announced they would be cutting Australian imports to 50,000. That announcement came on the back of the 250,000 in Quarter 2 this year.
Minister Joyce said they will continue to work with the Indonesian Government.
“While this is a welcome announcement, the Australian Government will continue to work with the Indonesian Government toward a more sustainable system of permit delivery – for instance, an annual announcement of import volume and timely issuance of permits rather than the current quarterly system, would allow for more certainty for our producers and Indonesian importers in making business planning decisions,” he said.
“The Australian Government is strongly committed to the livestock export trade and will continue to support the industry while ensuring that our respectful and mutually beneficial bilateral trade relationship with Indonesia is maintained.”
