Australia-China Red Meat Initiative Secures $300,000 Grant

In an exciting development for the cattle and red meat industry, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), in collaboration with key industry peak bodies, has successfully obtained a $300,000 grant from the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations. This funding is aimed at facilitating a new initiative that will enhance engagement between stakeholders in Australia’s and China’s cattle and red meat sectors.

The grant will support two key exchanges: an inbound delegation of emerging and established Chinese red meat industry leaders to Australia and an outbound visit by Australian peak industry bodies to China. This initiative’s activities will culminate in the inaugural Australia-China Livestock and Red Meat Industry Cooperation Forum, aimed at establishing a foundation for a potential Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on issues of mutual interest.

This project aligns with the mission of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, which aims to bolster engagement between Australia and China, thereby serving Australia’s national interests.

MLA Managing Director Michael Crowley remarked that this grant offers a significant opportunity to strengthen the long-standing and successful trade relationship between Australia and China, particularly in the red meat and livestock sectors.

“China remains one of Australia’s most important markets for red meat. This grant empowers MLA and our industry partners to enhance relationships and foster technical dialogue essential for long-term market access and commercial opportunities,” Mr. Crowley stated.

“This support from the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations is crucial in building our capacity, deepening cooperation, and cultivating a more resilient and collaborative cattle and red meat industry relationship,” he added.

CEO of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, Gary Cowan, expressed his support for the project’s role in enhancing bilateral industry engagement.

“Increased cooperation in the red meat industry will help solidify the foundations of a vital trade market and foster enduring connections. The Foundation is pleased to support quality initiatives that gather emerging and established leaders from both nations, enhancing engagement and advancing Australia’s economic resilience,” Mr. Cowan noted.

“This initiative will unite peak bodies, researchers, producers, and governmental technical agencies from both countries, initiating structured dialogues on critical areas such as biosecurity, meat standards, genetics, feed systems, and supply chain optimization.”

The National Foundation for Australia-China Relations is a governmental initiative focused on enhancing cooperation between Australia and China, aligned with Australia’s national interests. Its projects aim to promote risk-informed engagement and effectively support key Australian sectors, including agriculture.

Source: MLA