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5 February 2024
Western Australian agrifood export eNews
The Western Australian Government has supported the installation of cutting-edge scanning equipment at the Muchea Livestock Centre, marking a significant step forward in enhancing biosecurity and traceability measures within the livestock industry.
Since its inception the Muchea Livestock Centre – which is operated by the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority (WAMIA) – has been a vital hub for the state's livestock industry, facilitating the smooth movement of more than 7.3 million sheep and goats through its facilities.
Weekly, thousands of animals are received, processed, and loaded onto trucks within 24 hours, which highlights the importance of the new traceability equipment at the facility.
With the introduction of a new national framework aimed at bolstering biosecurity and traceability, WAMIA installed the 'Allflex' three-way draft scanning system at the Muchea Livestock Centre.
The installation, more than one year ahead of the 1 July 2025 deadline, is aimed at preparing the State's livestock industry for the mandatory national implementation of electronic identification for sheep and goats.
Source: WA Minister for Agriculture and Food | Photo: WAMIA [Minister Jackie Jarvis (left) with WAMIA Acting Chief Executive Officer, I-Lyn Loo.]
Celebrating International Women's Day 2024
With International Women's Day taking place this Friday 8 March 2024, the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) takes a moment to celebrate the vital contributions of women in the department and across the state's primary industries.
This year's theme, Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress, resonates deeply with DPIRD, as we acknowledge the significant role women play in shaping the future of WA's agriculture, food, and aquatic sectors.
From leading scientific research and managing farms to shaping policy and driving innovation, women are making their mark in every aspect of primary industries.
Investing in women's potential is not just about doing the right thing, but also a strategic imperative. When women are empowered to fully participate in the workforce, it leads to a more diverse, dynamic, and economically prosperous primary industry sector.
On International Women's Day, DPIRD reiterates its commitment to championing the voices and contributions of women in WA's primary industries. Together, we strive to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Source: DPIRD / UN Women Australia | Photo: DPIRD [Senior Research Scientist Dr Cécile Dang and Research Scientist Dr Hosna Gholipour-Kanani at DPIRD's Aquatic Animal Health Research Laboratory.]
Australian CleanTech and AgriTech businesses are invited to join the India Tech Export Catalyst (ITEC) program, which offers a unique opportunity to learn about the lucrative Indian market and develop a practical entry strategy – all for free and online.
This Austrade program will provide companies with market and sector insights, facilitated workshops with market experts, and targeted mentorship. Over 6 weeks, participants will develop and refine their business plans, market access strategies and pitch decks for success.
Apply for the program starting 20 March 2024 by registering your interest before 10 March. Places are limited in this exclusive program.
Source and Image: Austrade
The Australian Parliament's Agriculture Committee has launched an inquiry into the role of Australian agriculture in Southeast Asian markets. The Committee welcomes submissions from interested stakeholders by 31 May 2024.
The Committee has highlighted the Australian government's focus on strengthening ties with Southeast Asia, a region recognised as a global growth leader and development success story, according to the recently released Invested: Australia's Southeast Economic Strategy to 2040.
Agriculture plays a crucial role in Southeast Asia's economic growth, the Committee said. With its growing population, urbanisation, rising incomes, and increasing food security needs, Southeast Asia is a fast-growing market for Australian agricultural exports.
The inquiry will examine how Australian agriculture can contribute to Southeast Asia's food security, improve market access and trade systems, and build regional capacity in agricultural sustainability, technology, and innovation. It will also explore new mechanisms and identify emerging opportunities and challenges for Australian agriculture in addressing key priorities within Southeast Asia.
Submissions should be lodged through the Parliament of Australia website.
Source: Parliament of Australia / DFAT | Photo: DPIRD
Global beef consumption could decline in 2024 due to a combination of stagnant wages and high prices, according to Rabobank's First Quarter Global Beef Quarterly report.
The report by the agribusiness banking specialist highlights beef's premium status, even with ground beef offering a lower price point. This premium position makes it vulnerable to economic pressures that impact consumer spending.
This situation raises concerns for the entire supply chain, particularly regarding margins and trade. The report asks, 'Can prices be maintained or increased to compensate for lower consumption, or will retail prices need to decrease to stimulate demand?'
The report suggests that consumer tolerance for higher prices might differ based on regional supply dynamics. In markets with limited production growth, like the United States, consumers might accept price hikes at the expense of consumption, maintaining overall demand.
Conversely, markets with increasing supply, like Australia, might require lower prices to encourage consumption.
Source: Rabobank | Photo: Justus Menke / Unsplash
Further information
Agribusiness, commercial fishing and aquaculture news from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). If you have any questions or information to share, please email export@dpird.wa.gov.au.
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Important disclaimer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.
Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2024.
