Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) in partnership with industry peak bodies has secured a grant from the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations to deliver a new initiative aimed at deepening engagement between Australian and Chinese cattle and red meat stakeholders.
The funding will support two exchanges: an inbound delegation of emerging and established Chinese red meat industry leaders to Australia, followed by an outbound visit by Australian peak industry bodies to China.
The activities will culminate in the inaugural Australia China Livestock and Red Meat Industry Cooperation Forum, which will lay the groundwork for a potential industry to industry Memorandum of Understanding on issues of mutual benefit.
The project is supported by the National Foundation for Australia China Relations and aligns with the Foundation’s mission to strengthen engagement between Australia and China in support of Australia’s national interests.
“China remains one of Australia’s most important markets for red meat, and this grant enables MLA and our industry partners to strengthen the relationships and technical dialogue that underpin long term market access and commercial opportunity,” said MLA managing director Michael Crowley.
“This support from the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations is vital in helping MLA build capability, deepen cooperation and foster a more resilient, trusted and collaborative cattle and red meat industry relationship.”
Chief executive officer of the Foundation Gary Cowan, said the project would contribute to bilateral industry engagement.
“Greater cooperation in the red meat industry will help strengthen the foundations of an important trade market and forge lasting connections. The Foundation is pleased to support high quality programs that bring together emerging and established leaders from Australia and China, which will help build more confident engagement with China and advance Australia’s economic resilience,” Cowan said.
“The initiative will bring together peak bodies, researchers, producers and government linked technical agencies across both countries, creating structured industry dialogue on areas such as biosecurity, meat standards, genetics, feed systems and supply chain optimisation.”
Its work includes strengthening risk informed engagement with China, engaging Chinese Australian communities, and supporting key Australian sectors, including agriculture, to engage effectively in China.