Meat Industry Strategic Plan 2020

Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce has launched the Meat Industry Strategic Plan 2020, outlining the future strategic focus of the production, processing and live export sectors of Australia's beef, sheepmeat and goatmeat supply chain.

Minister Joyce said the plan would put the red meat sector in a strong position to take advantage of extremely favourable international conditions, with strong global demand, high prices and a low dollar.

"These favourable conditions create a springboard for the red meat industry to advance and build an even stronger future — but it is essential the industry takes the lead in understanding its dynamics and setting its own direction."

Minister Joyce said that Australia exported more than $13 billion of red meat and offal to 123 countries in 2014–15, and this success had prompted the allocation of $30.8 million to boost access to premium markets overseas and appoint five new agricultural counsellors in key markets.

The government has also promised $2.97 billion to support farmers and rural communities to strengthen drought preparedness, risk management and future drought support.

To read the Meat Industry Strategic Plan 2020, click here.