SPA welcomes the resumption of live sheep exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

07/04/2021

Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) is the peak body representing Australia’s sheep production industry. We consider animal welfare to be our highest priority.

For this reason, we are supportive of measures such as the industry-led moratorium on live sheep exports to the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer months.

“The impact on producers from this moratorium should not be under-estimated and it is important for both the sustainability of the live sheep export industry as well as producers, particularly in Western Australia, that opportunities for new live sheep markets are pursued as a priority.” Stephen Crisp SPA CEO.

The  Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) has announced the new trade opportunities for sheep producers and SPA would like to acknowledge and applaud the extensive collaboration in securing this important market.

“The market access to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will support sheep producers and offer additional food security to the Saudi people and sustainability of the live sheep export trade.” Mr Crisp

“The consultation with the sheep industry has been valuable and enabled producers to prepare livestock for export having immunised livestock ready for examination by veterinarians accredited by the Australian Government. The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) provides the mechanisms for animal traceback, and this is the accepted industry standard and a requirement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” Mr Crisp

The department have developed revised conditions for the export of slaughter sheep to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with information about the revised conditions available on MICoR.

Full Media Release: SPA Statement I Resumption of live sheep exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 7 April 2021

Media Inquiries to

Stephen Crisp SPA CEO

scrisp@sheepproducers.com.au