Australian and Chinese red meat industry leaders have reinforced their commitment to long-term collaboration and mutual cooperation following a week-long industry exchange across China.

The activity culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between key industry organisations.

The visit formed part of the Australia-China Livestock and Red Meat Industry Cooperation Program, a joint initiative led by Meat & Livestock Australia and the Australian Meat Industry Council, supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, and follows the recent visit by a Chinese delegation to Australia.

Representatives from Australia’s red meat peak industry bodies and industry organisations travelled to Beijing, Inner Mongolia and Shandong Province, gaining first-hand insights into Chinese livestock production, processing and supply chain operations.

Hosted by the China Meat Association and the National Animal Husbandry Service, the delegation visited cattle and sheep breeding operations, livestock trading centres, feedlots, processing facilities, cold storage operations and distribution networks, providing a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing both industries.

More than 120 industry representatives attended the inaugural Australia-China Livestock and Red Meat Industry Cooperation Forum, bringing together stakeholders from across the Chinese red meat supply chain to discuss shared priorities and future opportunities for cooperation.

The forum concluded with the signing of an MoU between CMA, AMIC and MLA, formalising a commitment to ongoing collaboration and the development of future industry partnerships.

MLA managing director Michael Crowley said the exchange demonstrated the value of strengthening relationships between industry leaders and creating new opportunities for cooperation.

“We deeply value and respect our relationship with China and look forward to continuing to grow this partnership into the future.” Mr Crowley said.

“This program highlighted that while our industries operate in different environments, we share many of the same opportunities and challenges around productivity, sustainability, food security and meeting evolving consumer expectations.

“The purpose of this initiative is to build stronger industry-to-industry relationships that support knowledge sharing, innovation and cooperation for the long-term benefit of both countries.”

The delegation also highlighted the value of long-standing relationships between the Australian and Chinese red meat industries.

“The trust, expertise and insights developed over many years created opportunities for engagement that would not otherwise have been possible,” Mr Crowley said.

“The willingness of our Chinese counterparts to openly share their businesses, experiences and perspectives provided valuable insights for the Australian delegation and has established a strong foundation for future collaboration.”

Supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, the Australia-China Livestock and Red Meat Industry Cooperation Program aims to strengthen industry-to-industry relationships, encourage technical knowledge exchange and identify opportunities that support the long-term sustainability of both countries’ red meat sectors.

The Australian Government continues to advocate for Australian farmers and producers, and work closely with industry to diversify and expand their markets.

In addition to MLA and AMIC, the program was supported by Sheep Producers Australia, the Australian Lot Feeders Association, Cattle Australia and the Australian Meat Processor Corporation.

Source: MLA