International Freight Assistance Mechanism Extended

15/03/2021

Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) welcomes the extension of the International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) established by the Australian government in April 2020, to keep international freight routes and flights operating into and out of Australian.

“SPA has been very grateful  for this well targeted assistance. COVID-19 presents significant logistical challenges for the export of Australian meat and livestock and IFAM has helped to reconnect our global supply chains and is of critical importance for Australia’s sheepmeat producers. It is not only vital for Australia’s exports, but provides food security for our trading partners.” says Stephen Crisp CEO SPA.

The Australian Government has committed to extending IFAM to the end of September 2021 and for the significant investment of $669 million. SPA worked closely with the Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) to advocate for the extension and of the importance of the IFAM program for sheep producers.

“Producers are aware that the exporters do the heavy lifting in negotiating freight rates. However, it all comes back to what they can pay the producer, which is why we wanted the whole of supply chain to make representations to extend the assistance. This now allows producers to finish last springs lambs as they would wish, whilst still having access to these vital markets.” says Mr Crisp

SPA is part of Australia’s 80,000 business red meat and livestock supply chain and welcomes the extension of IFAM at this crucial time as recognition of the importance of keeping our export industries viable in a difficult period while we are finding out what the new ‘normal’ will be.

“This is a great example of the IFAM team working collaboratively and consulting with the red meat industry to support our industries. We do not know what the new ‘normal’ will be, but with the current restrictions the extra airfreight costs would be prohibitive to some markets.” says Mr Crisp

Media Inquiries

Stephen Crisp

Chief Executive Officer

Sheep Producers Australia

Mobile 0455 999 130

Full Media Release: International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) March 2021