Cattle Australia fully supports the Federal Government’s decision to reject the European Union trade deal put on the table in Brussels.

As reported on Beef Central yesterday, the second round of high level talks between Australian and EU officials to finalise a free trade agreement have stalled, with Canberra not willing to accept a low market access offer for beef – more details here

Cattle Australia chair, David Foote said a free trade agreement was a once-in-a-generation opportunity and must be mutual, sustainable, and equitable.

“We congratulate Trade Minister Don Farrell, supported by Agriculture Minister Murray Watt and our negotiating team for their resolve during these high-level negotiations,” Mr Foote said.

“A fair deal for agriculture must be central to any agreement, and the offer on the table did not deliver this.

“Australia’s cattle industry is committed to achieving a trade agreement with the EU and will support our government to achieve this.

“We do however need a deal that recognises the value, uniqueness, safety and diversity of the Agricultural commodities available for trade into the EU.

“A starting point could include reciprocal animal product volumes that would include the significant volume of pork products that come from the EU into our domestic market.

“With time to now regroup, Cattle Australia looks forward to the parties reaching an equitable agreement on beef that provides mutual benefits”