SPA’s response to COVID-19

24/03/2020

Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) is committed to supporting the sheep industry and broader red meat industry throughout the COVID-19 response and recovery.

“We have seen a number of borders close this week and all non-essential travel cease. SPA is committed to working collaboratively with the Department Agriculture Water and Environment (DAWE) and  wider red meat industry in order to ensure that feed, fodder, animal health products and livestock transport is exempt from border closures to ensure we can continue to provide food supply for Australia and our international markets.” says Stephen Crisp A/g CEO SPA.

SPA will continue to support the work currently being undertaken by RMAC and the broader red meat industry with our ports and Federal and State Governments to find ways to ensure the live export trade can continue to operate with no compromise to animal welfare and biosecurity through the new restrictions introduced to curb the spread of COVID-19.

“Industry is very well placed to ride out any issues that the virus may put in our path. International markets, including China, have maintained volumes, even if the mix has changed between food service and other retail channels, and we can see this repeated as the virus peak shifts across our markets.” says Mr Crisp.

SPA welcomes the announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud on implementing additional measures to maintain agricultural production and supply chains throughout the COVID-19 response. Mr Mark Tucker will be the Senior Agriculture Industry Engagement Officer and will be the key liaison between the department and agriculture, fisheries and forestry stakeholders affected by COVID-19.

“SPA is supporting WoolProducers Australia to ensure the wool supply chain is part of the essential services framework. SPA will continue to collaborate with the wool sector to ensure sheep producers are able to maintain business as usual for all facets of their business.” says Mr Crisp.

“The situation is constantly evolving, and we understand these are uncertain times. As an industry we are committed to continuing to support our sheep producers and broader agriculture industries, whilst upholding the highest standards of biosecurity and animal welfare throughout the supply chain.” says Mr Crisp.

Inquiries

Stephen Crisp

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Sheep Producers Australia

Mobile 0455 999 130

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