Ag minister backs the state’s beef producers
MINISTER for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner has praised Queensland’s beef industry for its resilience and ability to innovate.
Speaking after hosting a Beef Industry Roundtable in Brisbane, Mr Furner said drought had hurt some producers but there was a lot to be optimistic about.
“The beef industry contributes more than $5 billion and 18,000 jobs to the Queensland economy, so it is encouraging to see how it continues to innovate despite drought conditions,” he said.
“Today’s forum was an important opportunity to listen to the concerns and ideas of industry players and to work together to build successful partnerships.”
Mr Furner said the State Government had followed through on its commitment to support and inform investment in the beef industry, with $700,000 committed to independent beef supply chain studies.
Aspects of these studies have been translated into several languages to help in promoting Queensland’s beef industry to export markets.
Mr Furner said maintaining Queensland’s reputation as a clean and efficient provider of quality beef was key to continuing growth in the industry.
“Our beef exports to Japan are valued at almost $1.4 billion and South Korea takes more than $800 million in Queensland beef,” he said.
“We will continue to push the case for Queensland produce through initiatives such as our trade mission to Japan and South Korea in September and supporting our producers to access new and expanding markets.”