Working together for sheepmeat

Beef and Lamb New Zealand says the sheepmeat industry needs to co-operate to promote its product....
Beef and Lamb New Zealand says the sheepmeat industry needs to co-operate to promote its product. Photo by Stephen Jaquiery.
A memorandum of understanding on sheepmeat co-operation has been signed between New Zealand, Australia and Mexico.

It recognises the sheepmeat industries of the three countries share a goal of building sheepmeat demand globally.

Other common objectives include animal health and welfare, food safety, environmental sustainability and industry profitability.

The agreement was signed by the Sheepmeat Council of Australia (supported by Meat and Livestock Australia), Beef and Lamb New Zealand and Organismo de la Unidad Nacional de Ovinocultores (the National Mexican Sheep Producers' Organisation).

There were ''considerable advantages'' gained from working together, Beef and Lamb New Zealand director Andy Fox said.

''The Australian and New Zealand sheepmeat industries are seeking to build relationships with producer organisations from around the world.

''The reality is sheepmeat faces strong competition in the marketplace from other protein sources.

''It is important the sheepmeat industry works together to promote our premium product,'' Mr Fox said.

Meanwhile, Meat Industry Excellence (MIE) says New Zealand sheep and beef farmers have a ''window of opportunity'' to avoid the fate of their Australian colleagues.

Australian Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce has called on Australian farmers to get more involved in the supply chain of their produce.

Speaking to ABC Rural, Mr Joyce said abattoir owners and dairy processors were making money and more farmers should form co-operatives to reclaim their lost profits.

''In 1900, about 85% of the final price went back through the farm gate. By 1950 it was round about half and now it's about 10%-15%. The money's being made, it's just being made by different people.''

MIE chairman John McCarthy said the Australian situation sounded a warning to New Zealand sheep and beef farmers.

''Our share of final price is highly volatile and has been falling over time, but it is still better than our Aussie colleagues.

''But the only way to ensure it improves rather than falls further is to create a strong, co-operative-led, farmer-owned processor and marketer,'' he said.

sally.rae@odt.co.nz

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