Managing Director of Meat and Livestock Australia Michael Crowley.
Australia’s red meat industry is poised for enhanced collaboration with China following a significant grant aimed at facilitating industry exchanges between the two nations. The funding, provided by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, will support two major delegations: one bringing Chinese industry leaders to Australia and the other sending Australian representatives to China.
The managing director of Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Michael Crowley, emphasized the importance of this grant in expanding existing trade relations. “China remains one of Australia’s most important markets for red meat, and this grant enables MLA and our industry partners to strengthen the relationships and technical dialogue that underpin long-term market access and commercial opportunity,” he stated.
Strengthening Industry Connections
The exchanges will contribute to the inaugural Australia China Livestock and Red Meat Industry Co-operation Forum, fostering dialogue on key topics such as biosecurity, meat standards, and supply chain operations. Crowley noted that this support is crucial for building capacity and promoting a resilient partnership within the cattle and red meat industry.
The chief executive of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, Gary Cowan, highlighted that increased co-operation would solidify the foundations of a vital trade market. “The foundation is pleased to support high-quality programs that bring together emerging and established leaders from Australia and China, which will help build more confident engagement with China and advance Australia’s economic resilience,” Cowan remarked.
This initiative aims to connect peak industry bodies, researchers, producers, and government-linked technical agencies from both countries, creating structured dialogues that can address current challenges and future opportunities in the red meat sector.
The National Foundation for Australia-China Relations operates under the auspices of the Federal Government, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation. With China being a critical market for Australian red meat exports, this collaboration is expected to yield significant benefits for both countries’ agricultural sectors.
As these delegations prepare for their upcoming visits, the potential for strengthened ties and enhanced market opportunities remains a focal point for the Australian red meat industry.
