Building MATEShip for welfare and trade

AUSTRALIA’S culture of mateship is helping improve the integrity and capability of Vietnamese abattoirs in another building block to our 40-year partnership in agriculture.

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud launched the Managing Abattoirs, Training and Exchange of Skills in-country training program

“We are working with our mates to ensure international animal welfare and food safety standards are met,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We also want to assure Australian cattle farmers that animals are treated humanely.

“The MATES program, funded by Australia, will improve key integrity aspects of the live export supply chain in Vietnam and to modernise the supply chain from production to distribution.

“It will also assist industry to meet consumer expectations when it comes to food quality and safety.

“Australia is helping Vietnam to rise to the challenge – delivering training courses, improving abattoir and feed lot infrastructure and providing technical support on animal welfare.

“Vietnam is a significant live cattle export market for Australia, worth $243 million in 2016–17.

“This is another example of Australia and Vietnam’s win-win collaborative relationship, improving food production integrity practices in Vietnam and export opportunities for Australia.”

Mr Littleproud also visited FutureMilk, a 100 per cent Australian-owned dairy company.

“Visiting FutureMilk left me feeling of proud of how an Australian company can export expertise and entrepreneurship and provide a significant boost to jobs and industry in Vietnam,” he said.

“FutureMilk has over 1000 dairy cows and employs over 70 staff, many local women who would not otherwise have the opportunity to earn a wage.”