The Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc.) (WAFarmers) is committed to working with industry, government and other key stakeholders to ensure the future and expansion of the live export trade, as part of its 2013 Western Australian State Election Policy.
WAFarmers President, Dale Park, said Western Australian agriculture relies on live export and WAFarmers will be doing everything within its power to ensure the future of the industry is strong and the high animal welfare standards, currently in place, are maintained.
“If Australia was to stop exporting livestock, global animal welfare standards will unquestionably decline. Of the more than 100 countries that export livestock around the world, Australia is the only country that actively works in overseas markets to help improve animal welfare conditions,” Mr Park said.
“The livestock export industry, including WAFarmers, is committed to working with the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Hon Joe Ludwig, and the Federal Government, to deliver world class animal welfare outcomes for Australian livestock in all export markets.
“Substantial progress in improving animal welfare has been made across our export markets via the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS), which now covers 99 per cent of Australia’s livestock exports.”
Mr Park said WAFarmers would look for the continued support of the State Government on the live export issue.
“While ESCAS is a Federal Government matter, WAFarmers would like the State Government’s assistance to streamline the process and make the implementation of ESCAS cheaper for farmers,” he said.
“The Livestock export trade is not only vitally important to Western Australian livestock producers, but it is crucial to the future of agriculture in this State, so the support of the State Government has been and will be imperative to secure its future,” Mr Park concluded.
