The VFF is opposed to the Commonwealth Government’s proposed phase out of the live sheep export industry announced by Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt.
Following consideration by the VFF Livestock Policy Council, the VFF was a co-signatory to the letter sent to Minister Watt on behalf of agricultural representative groups across Australia opposing the phase out.
The VFF has also been represented at meetings between industry and Minister Watt.
Whilst there is no longer a live sheep trade direct from Victoria, the VFF is concerned about the indirect consequences that the phase out would have on Victorian producers and other livestock industries.
The VFF is also concerned about the precedent being set by the Commonwealth in shutting down a livestock industry based on the outdated demands of animal activists.
The VFF will maintain its opposition to the government’s policy and support other agricultural representative groups to effect the change required.