Sheepmeat Council of Australia has welcomed the review into the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS), the findings of which were released in a report by the Department of Agriculture today.

Sheepmeat Council president Jeff Murray

SCA president Jeff Murray recognised the work of the Australian Government in remaining committed to working towards a viable, sustainable and well regulated sheep meat industry sector.

“We are pleased to see a review of ESCAS and support the work undertaken by the Australian Government and industry to assure the highest animal welfare standards across our major export markets,” Mr Murray said.

“The live sheep export trade is essential to the livelihoods of thousands of Australian sheep meat producers. Through ESCAS and the work of the industry, the regulatory system has ensured the continuation of the trade across many international markets which is good for our producers who rely on market competition and diversity to drive higher farm gate returns.”

Mr Murray said as the peak industry council for the sheep meat industry, SCA made a submission to the review on behalf of Australia’s sheep meat producers, in support of a system that upheld welfare practices and provided new export markets for Australian sheep.

“This is a world-class system which is helping to inform new standards of animal welfare globally,” he said.

“Australia is the second largest exporter of live sheep and ESCAS has significantly increased market access opportunities for our industry which is a crucial part of maintaining global demand for our livestock. Sheepmeat Council is very open to any changes as suggested in this report that will simplify any administrative processes that currently overburden industry.”

Mr Murray said his council looked forward to working with the Department of Agriculture to ensure that the highest animal welfare standards are maintained across Australia’s export supply chains.

• Click here to view a summary of the Department of Agriculture’s review of ESCAS.