Federal agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce has annonuced that a new market for breeding cattle, sheep and goats has been opened to Egypt following the finalisation of health certification requirements.

Australia only recently re-opened trade with Egypt for feeder and slaughter livestock under the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System after Australian live export industry leaders voluntarily suspended the trade in May last year following reports of animal mistreatment and uncertainty surrounding Egypt’s position on accepting cattle treated with hormone growth promotants (HGPs).

Mr Joyce said the opening of trade for breeding animals to Egypt presented significant export opportunities for Australia’s $1 billion livestock export industry.

“Breeder livestock from Australia will help to improve existing herds in Egypt,” Mr Joyce said in a media release issued on Tuesday afternoon.

“These new agreed requirements will provide their producers with confidence in the health of the stock that will lead to improvements in the productivity and genetic vigour of their livestock.”

Australian and Egyptian government veterinary authorities reached agreement on animal health certification requirements for breeder cattle, sheep and goat exports on July 2.

“Health certification requirements are the foundation for trade in breeder animals,” Minister Joyce said.

“This milestone comes only four months since the Australian and Egyptian Governments agreed to recommence trade in cattle, sheep and goats.”

The addition of this new export market closely follows the opening of new export markets in Bahrain and Iran.

Minister Joyce said creating new market access opportunities was all part of the government’s commitment to strengthening the livestock export trade and expanding market access for Australian producers.

“While it’s too early to know just how many head of our quality livestock exports we’ll see going, this is a significant new market for Australian livestock with the potential for it to take thousands of breeder animals a year,” Minister Joyce said.

“Market access is, and will continue to be, a priority for this government and today’s news further demonstrates how we’re delivering on our election commitment to reinvigorate the trade and bring real increased returns to our primary producers at the farmgate.”

Source: Federal Minister for Agriculture