Stanley Vale Merino Stud - News & Views

New market access for animal genetics

AUSTRALIAN producers can now export a wider range of animal genetic material to Chile, Colombia and Mexico, after the Australian government successfully negotiated new health protocols with each nation.

Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said it was an important result for Australian genetic exporters in a growing global market.

“Australian exporters can now send sheep and goat semen and embryos to Colombia, and bovine semen to Chile—meaning our producers can now export all the major categories of ruminant genetics (cattle, sheep and goat semen and embryos) to both these markets," he said.

“We have also secured new market access for bovine semen to Mexico, and we continue to negotiate with the Mexican government to secure greater access for other ruminant genetics.

“Each year Australian exports of genetic material contribute to our economy and to the strength of global genetics for cattle, sheep, goats, horses and canines.

"For example, in 2014–15 bovine semen exports were valued at $2.4 million.

“Last financial year, 235 consignments of genetic material—made up of 7,314 embryos and 312,258 semen straws—were sent to our export markets.

“There is increasing demand for Australian ruminant genetics, particularly in Latin America, and the industry has identified these markets as high priority.

“The Department of Agriculture has worked closely with industry and the Mexican, Colombian and Chilean governments to open these new markets quickly and efficiently, so Australian exporters can start to see the benefits.”

Mr Joyce said the government was committed to expanding international markets for all agricultural products.

“It’s not just genetics—our exporters can now send kangaroo meat to Peru, table grapes to Japan, mangoes and lychees to the United States and breeder deer to Malaysia," he said.

“In addition to free trade agreements signed with three of our biggest trading partners, this government has achieved 42 key market access gains or restorations of suspended markets, and 14 key market access improvements or actions to maintain market access in the agriculture portfolio.

“We continue to work for the best conditions and opportunities for Australian producers and exporters, to drive profits back to the farmgate.”

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