Wagga is set to benefit from Brexit with Teys now able to export to Europe.
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On Thursday the Bomen plant was given ‘EU accreditation’, which meant local farmers could access the lucrative European market.
Licensed exporter Andrew Negline said the instability caused by Britain’s departure from the European Union (EU) had created an opportunity for Australian producers.
“Europe’s meat market was traditionally dominated by Britain and New Zealand,” Mr Negline said.
“There’s a great opportunity now for Australia to export more beef, lamb and other agricultural products into those markets.
“Even if prices fluctuate – we’re still seasonally-driven and there’s pricing push-back – farmers will have a solid supply chain into strong markets they can sell into.”
John Langbridge, Teys’ manager of industry and corporate affairs, said it was a big win for everyone in the region.
“Cattle producers, feedlots and of course processors have done a lot of work in gaining EU accreditation so we can take advantage of the premiums in Europe,” Mr Langbridge said.
“The EU is Australia’s most valuable export market on a dollar-per-kilogram basis and now the Wagga plant is accredited, producers will have access to us and can consider having their farms and feedlots accredited.”
David Bardos from the Port of Melbourne said the accreditation was a “game changer” for the future of Australia’s beef industry.
“One of the key drivers for sustainability in the red meat industry is to gain access to new overseas markets,” Mr Bardos said.
“From a regional point of view, the Riverina exports 12,000 containers of meat each year.
“They say a rising tide lifts all ships and we are prepared to receive new opportunities from the region and from Teys, one of our very valued clients.”
Teys will assist producers who wish to supply eligible cattle in becoming accredited under the European Union Cattle Accreditation Scheme (EUCAS) by holding a producer day at the Jindalee feedlot early in the new year.