Minister for agriculture Barnaby Joyce has welcomed news from Indonesia which will see increased exports of Australian cattle and boxed beef to Indonesia.

“This really is a win-win situation for both countries and contributes to our ongoing efforts to build a long-term partnership with Indonesia for our agricultural industries,” Minister Joyce said.

Indonesian authorities have issued permits for the import of an additional 75,000 head of cattle this year and will increase Indonesia’s imports of boxed beef, in order to meet rising demand.

Minister Joyce paid tribute to the Indonesian authorities, saying that the decision underlines both the strength and the potential of the Indonesia-Australia partnership.

“This shows that by working together, Australia and Indonesia can come to solutions that meet the needs of both countries,” Minister Joyce said.

“As Australia’s closest overseas market, Indonesia takes over 60 per cent of Australia’s total live cattle exports. Having met with producers I know this announcement will be very important to producers, especially in northern Australia.

“They have been doing it tough in dry conditions, and this sort of announcement is just what they’ve been looking for.”

Minister Joyce also acknowledged the work of Australian industry representatives, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, in reaching this agreement with Indonesia.

“We have a massive opportunity here, in where we live and how we do business,” Minister Joyce said.

“I look forward to working closely with Indonesia authorities, industry and the department as we continue reinvigorating Australian agriculture where it needs help, and building on the strength of our live export industry.”

Source: DAFF