4 February 2025. Shane McCarthy, AgForce General President.
The recent announcement by Indonesia requiring an additional two million live cattle to be imported over the next five years to deliver on the new President's ambitious meal program is welcome news for the northern cattle industry.
The initiative will feed 90 million children and pregnant women, presenting a significant opportunity for Australian agriculture, especially our northern cattle producers.
As Indonesia's nearest neighbour with a robust livestock sector, we are uniquely positioned to meet this demand while reinforcing our reputation as a provider of high-quality - and importantly - ethically raised livestock.
Australia's live cattle trade is underpinned by world-leading animal welfare standards. Programs such as the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) ensure that Australian livestock are treated humanely throughout their journey and at their destination.
These standards not only reflect ethical imperatives but also enhance Australia's reputation as a responsible trading partner.
Organisations such as AgForce Queensland Farmers Limited and Cattle Australia continue to advocate for these high standards, highlighting their importance of maintaining market access and consumer trust.
The Indonesian opportunity also underscores the vital role that live export plays in supporting Australian producers, particularly in northern regions where pastoral systems are well-suited to breeding high-quality cattle for international markets.
Meeting this demand could inject billions of dollars into the Australian economy, providing vital support to rural communities, creating jobs, and fostering long-term partnerships with a critical regional neighbour.
However, this opportunity coincides with Australia's live sheep export industry facing an uncertain future, following the federal government's irrational decision to phase out live sheep exports by sea by May 1 2028.
This decision, driven by ideological perspectives and ignoring the huge steps taken to improve animal welfare, risks undermining a trade that has historically contributed significantly to Australia's agricultural sector.
Live sheep exports not only provide economic benefits but also align with global food security and environmental goals by supplying protein to regions where local production is limited.
Importantly, the possible cessation of trade may inadvertently lower animal welfare standards, as importing countries would inevitably turn to suppliers with less stringent practices.
We need to remain vigilant to ensure these ideological positions do not seep into areas such as the live cattle trade which is still recovering from the effects of the ludicrous 2011 ban.
The contrast between the opportunities presented by Indonesia's cattle demand and the challenges facing the live sheep trade is stark.
While one reflects on the potential of science-based policy and industry collaboration to create mutually beneficial outcomes, the other highlights the risks of decisions driven by ideology over evidence.
As Australia responds to Indonesia's increased demand for live cattle, it must champion the principles of sustainability, ethical trade, and regional collaboration.
This approach will not only secure economic benefits but also reinforce Australia's leadership in balancing agricultural production with animal welfare and environmental responsibility.
The live cattle trade contributes enormously to stability in the region by providing a reliable source of protein to nations which are less food self-sufficient than ourselves, and this important role should not be overlooked.
The lessons learned from the live sheep trade should serve as a reminder of the importance of informed, pragmatic policymaking to ensure the continued prosperity of Australian agriculture.
Shane McCarthy, AgForce General President
