Given the limited size of the Australian market, the ongoing viability of sheep production in Australia relies heavily on exports and maintaining our ability to sell products to markets overseas – known as 'market access'.

Sheep and goat meat is Australia's 5th largest agricultural export by value at $4.7bn in 2022-23. This represents a significant, resilient and consistent contribution to our economy.

Lamb is recognised as being synonymous with Australia and associated with celebration and sustenance in countries and cultures all over the world, and the role our farmers play in helping feed the world is something to be truly proud of. We export as much as 70% of our lamb, over 90% of our mutton and our key export markets include the US, China, Korea, Malaysia, the Middle East and North Africa region. Australia is also the world's largest exporter of wool.

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Australia's market access is interlinked with our strong reputation for providing high quality, safe and consistent products. This reputation, and trust, has been earned through:

• our strong track record in animal health and food safety

• our world-leading livestock traceability system

• low residues and national testing

• strict animal welfare practices

• quality products

• the Livestock Production Assurance program