The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) reaffirms its position that Australia must secure meaningful red meat access under the Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement (EU FTA).
AMIC, together with the broader red meat industry supply chain, has endorsed a minimum level of access for beef, sheepmeat and goatmeat that must be secured for the industry to support the agreement.
This aligns with the recent statement of the Australia–EU Red Meat Market Access Taskforce, of which AMIC is a member, that Australia requires a minimum of 50,000 tonnes of beef access and 67,000 tonnes of sheepmeat and goatmeat to ensure at least comparable access to our competitors.
Tim Ryan, CEO of the Australian Meat Industry Council, said the Australian red meat sector wants an agreement with the EU, but it must be substantive, with real access and no strings attached.
“We have worked closely with the Australian Government and our negotiators for a number of years and have been clear that this is the one opportunity Australia has to secure access that will dictate the volume of red meat trade to Europe indefinitely into the future,” Mr Ryan said.
“As a likeminded partner with strong credentials in product quality and sustainability, it is reasonable that Australia secures barrier free access at least comparable to that offered to our competitors.
“An FTA cannot be in the national interest if it does not correct the disproportionately low quota volumes currently applied to Australian beef, sheepmeat and goatmeat entering the EU. The Australian red meat industry has put its cards on the table and is clear about where this line sits.
“We call on the Australian Government to hold firm, honour its commitment to a ‘good deal, not a deal at any cost’, and deliver an outcome that promotes trade rather than restricts it.”
Recent statement by the Australia–EU Red Meat Market Access Taskforce here.
About AMIC:
The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC), is the sole Peak Industry body representing the post-farm gate meat industry, including processors, smallgoods manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors through to independent retail butchers and exporters.
Media contact:
Jemma Harper – General Manager Corporate Affairs
M: 0429 040 128
E: [email protected]
