elders ready to resume indonesia cattle trade

21 June 2011
Elders ready to resume Indonesia cattle trade today
Elders Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Jackman today confirmed that Elders? company owned feedlot and
abattoir operations in Indonesia are immediately capable of processing Australian cattle at standards that are
more stringent than those currently under consideration by the Australian and Indonesian Governments.
Commenting on widespread newspaper reports published in Australia today, Malcolm Jackman said there
was now clearly no reason why the Commonwealth could not immediately approve its request of 8 June and
authorise the resumption of trade to Elders facilities.
?Elders cattle export and processing operations in Indonesia already function at a level that is expected by the
Australian market and exceed the current OIE standards across its supply chain,? Malcolm Jackman said.
?Elders has provided extensive documentation to the Government and access to its staff in support of its
application to allow the immediate resumption of trade to its company-owned facilities, which already operate
a defined supply chain, have independently audited abattoir operations and can provide assured, documented
and acceptable treatment of every animal within our care.?
Malcolm Jackman said the imminent expiry of Indonesian import permits on June 30, created the real risk of a
longer-term lockout from the Indonesian market for Australian cattle farmers.
?An immediate, partial resumption of Australian exports via Elders operations is a safe, ready- to-go and
simple step that the Australian Government can take to keep the door open for Australian exports to
Indonesia.
?As of 1 July, cattle supply will be assessed and new import permits for the third quarter of 2011 can be
issued by the Indonesian Government. I am increasingly concerned that unless trade is quickly resumed, our
offshore competitors will acquire the third quarter permits leaving Australian farmers on the sidelines for
months and in financial turmoil.
?Elders, of course will continue to engage with the government on the protocols and agreements that may be
required for a broader industry solution. That may take some time to finalise, but in the meantime Elders?
application offers the avenue for an immediate resumption of trade that satisfies all the animal welfare
concerns that lie at the heart of this issue.
?Elders stands ready to immediately recommence operations using a traceable, accountable and verifiable
animal management system that meets all the animal welfare concerns expected of Australian operators and
there is no practical reason why this can?t happen today.? Malcolm Jackman said.
ends