AGRICULTURAL exporters have until October 24 to read and provide feedback on draft new agricultural export legislation developed by the Federal Government.

The Export Control Bill will consolidate export-related provisions from 17 Acts into single Act.

The Federal Government says the simplified agricultural export legislation will cut red tape, create more efficient procedures and make regulations easier to follow to save exporters time and money.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce said a recent review had shown scope exists for legislation to modernised to enable exporters to seize future opportunities.

“We’re aiming to make the rules for exporting easier to understand, use and comply with, while maintaining the level of regulatory oversight expected by our trading partners.”

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John Langbridge, industry and corporate affairs manager for Teys Australia, Australia’s second largest meat processor and exporter, said the legislation must be flexible and responsive to change in market access requirements.

“The legislation must enable the rapid uptake of approved emerging technologies, such as the use of robotics, x-ray, ultra sound, hyperspectral imaging, thermal imaging and barcoding, to grow and support meat exports in the future,” Mr Langbridge said.

The consultation period on the exposure draft runs for 60 days.

The improved legislation will be implemented around 1 April 2020, when much of the existing framework is due to expire. For more information visit www.agriculture.gov.au/export-legislation.

Source: Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources