The Federal Government has committed $1 million to support Casino Beef Week events from 2017 to 2020.

The Coalition Government will ensure Casino continues to celebrate the importance of the Australian beef industry with a million dollar commitment to Casino Beef Week.

In a joint statement Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, and Member for Page, Kevin Hogan said the beef cattle industry is the single largest contributor to Australian agriculture, with a gross value of production of $15 billion last financial year.

The Coalition Government had guaranteed $1 million to support delivery of the annual Casino Beef Week events from 2017 to 2020 in recognition of the central role the beef industry plays in the local region and across the nation.

“The beef industry is a major export earner for Australia with more than 70 per cent of total beef production now shipped to more than 100 countries,” Minister Joyce said.

“The Northern Rivers region plays a major role in growing both our domestic and international markets. It is one of the reasons this government is committed to Beef Week and to building the capacity of the beef industry in the region and to enhance a national focus for the event.

“This is an important event for our beef producers to promote their high quality products, it’s another way we’re enabling greater returns through the farm gate.”

Mr Hogan welcomed the million dollar commitment saying the beef industry had been a major contributor to the region for more than a century and was recognised as one of the region’s most valuable agriculture commodities.

“Casino Beef Week has been running over 35 years and has cemented an important place on the region’s annual calendar. It is where the country comes to town with a celebration of over 100 events,” Mr Hogan said.

“Beef Week is a celebration of Australia’s beef industry, our rural community and lifestyle. This year’s theme is ‘step back in time.’

“As the major employer in our region, the industry looks forward to this event not only for the stimulation it provides to the local economy, cattle sector and tourism markets but also the valuable network exposure to grow markets nationally and internationally.”

Beef Week runs over 11 days from 20th May 2017.

Source: Federal Government