The Indonesia-Australia Partnership on Food Security in the Red Meat and Cattle Sector, established with a 10 year, $60 million investment by the Australian Government in July 2013 to enhance engagement between the Australian and Indonesian beef industries and government, has announced $12m worth of investments from the fund.

Minister for agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, and Chairman of the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Franciscus Sibarani, announced on Friday that parnership will spend $12m to promote sustainable commercial-scale beef cattle breeding in Indonesia; the continuation of the Indonesian Skills Development Programme for 2016 and 2017; and further beef processing training.

Minister Joyce said the Partnership supported industry and governments in both nations to work together to improve the productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of the Indonesian red meat and cattle sector and to further strengthen both nation’s bilateral trade relationship.

“The Partnership’s third meeting today was a great opportunity for both nations, as neighbours working together to forge stronger relations in agricultural investment and skills,” Minister Joyce said.

The Partnership started in 2013 and focuses on how Indonesia and Australia can play a joint role in the global supply of beef and cattle. The Partnership aims to strengthen relations between business and government and capitalise on opportunities within the sector.

Minister Joyce said Indonesia’s long-term plan to improve food security is a goal Australia can contribute towards and benefit from.

“Australian beef cattle producers have a vital role to play in assisting Indonesia to achieve food security as suppliers of high-quality cattle in the years ahead,” Minister Joyce said.

“Two-way trade with Indonesia was worth more than $3.8 billion in 2014. Agriculture is important to our bilateral relationship, to our economies, and to the livelihoods of farmers in both nations.

“Indonesia and Australia have a long history of working cooperatively on agricultural trade issues and capacity building projects. Regular, consistent and open communication remains a priority for both governments.”

The Partnership is a jointly agreed heads-of-government initiative underpinned by a $60 million fund provided by the Australian Government over 10 years. Membership of the Partnership comprises senior industry representatives and government officials from Indonesia and Australia.

Source: Minister for Agriculture