Grants to Improve Live Export Welfare Standards

AUSTRALIA - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, is encouraging Australian businesses involved in the live animal export trade to apply for Government grants to support improved welfare standards in their supply chains.
calendar icon 9 March 2012
clock icon 2 minute read

Minister Ludwig said the Australian Government is providing $5 million through the Approved Supply Chain Improvements Program, which opened for applications today, to encourage industry investment in supply chains in live animal export markets.

Funding under the Approved Supply Chain Improvement Programme is available on a 1:3 investment ratio with the Government contributing $1 for every $3 of industry investment.

“This program will assist Australia’s livestock export industry to meet the requirements of the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System which is central to the Government’s new regulatory framework for the livestock export trade,” Minister Ludwig said.

“It will also fund eligible infrastructure upgrades and training and help Australian exporters develop exporter supply chain systems that meet the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) animal welfare standards.

“The Gillard Government actively encourages the use of stunning in the slaughter of livestock, and at least 20 per cent of programme funds will be used to expand its use. This funding will help more exporters introduce stunning to their supply chains.”

The Government is undertaking a range of initiatives to encourage stunning where possible, including promoting its use to the World Organisation for Animal Health, providing assistance to countries for infrastructure development and training, and working bilaterally with trading partners to encourage its use.

Minister Ludwig said the programme is focused on supporting Australian businesses to invest in approved supply chains for all markets that receive Australian livestock for feeder and slaughter purposes.

“These supply chains are a key part of the Government’s reform of the livestock export trade, announced in October 2011, that aims to secure a sustainable future for the industry and the thousands of regional jobs that depend on it,” Minister Ludwig said.

“The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is administering the programme and is continuing to work closely with individual exporters to provide advice and assistance as they establish new export arrangements.”

Applications will remain open until 30 April 2013 or until funds are fully allocated.

Further information is available at: www.daff.gov.au/about/current-grants.

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