A NICHE MARKET

AUSTRALIAN alpaca producers are well positioned to develop new export markets following the opening of trade in alpacas with the Republic of Korea.

Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, said there were opportunities for breeders to support this niche, with the potential to generate significant farm-gate returns.

“The newly agreed health conditions for alpacas to Korea was a very positive development for Australia’s alpaca industry, which has about 100,000 in the national herd,” Mr Joyce said.

“Over the past 26 years, more than 2300 breeders have joined original importers in farming these unique animals.

“Australia’s alpaca population has grown to its present size mainly through breeding up from the initial imported stock in the late 1980s.

“Industry estimates the initial potential of the Korean market to be in the vicinity of 1000 head of alpaca each year, but with good growth prospects.”

Minister Joyce said the export of live alpacas would support Korea’s demand for fibre, with breeder animals helping to improve Korea’s national herd.

He said the animals were now ranked among the world’s best in terms of fleece quality with the fibre used in high-fashion garments, as well as knitwear, blankets, doonas and even carpets.

Mr Joyce said Australian and Korean government veterinary authorities reaching agreement on health certification requirements for live alpaca had opened the door to trade.

“Health certification requirements are the foundation for trade in animals and this agreement means we can continue to build on trade opportunities as we work to revitalise our primary industries,” he said.

Australia is the fourth largest supplier of agricultural products to the Republic of Korea, accounting for around 10% of the Republic of Korea’s total agricultural imports. In 2013 Australian exports to the Republic of Korea were valued at around $1.9 billion.