WAFarmers is disappointed by the Department of Agriculture’s decision to extend the summer moratorium on live sheep export until the 22nd of September 2019.
WAFarmers Livestock President, David Slade said WAFarmers would not support the changes that further compromises the value of the live sheep trade to Western Australian primary producers, and places at risk every aspect of the sheep supply chain with such little notice.
“The exporters and wider industry have adopted all the necessary and precautionary measures outlined by the government, and it appears the department has ignored industry data, particularly around the minimal animal welfare risks recorded in the 2019 May shipments,” Mr Slade said.
“The Federal Minister should have directed the department to support the more workable options put forth by industry, before signing off on the extension.
“It’s unfortunate that the live sheep trade will be further jeopardised by these moratorium changes announced late yesterday. It seems the government is using regulation to render the industry unviable.
“The industry has worked hard to adhere to, and implement the new recommendations supporting the ASEL model and McCarthy Review. Industry now requires time to prove the measures set out by the Regulator are achievable and viable, this includes accurate shipping data for the month of September 2019.
“Accurate daily reporting under real-time temperature conditions, is what is needed to prove the safe passage of livestock aboard live export vessels. Industry deserves and requires the time to meet such reporting requirements,” Mr Slade said.
WAFarmers continues to support Western Australia’s live sheep trade.
Source: WAFarmers