Sheep Producers Australia has long held the position that the policy decisions made for Australian agriculture must be evidence-based, strategic, inclusive, and collaborative.

The Farmer Rally scheduled for today on the lawns of Parliament House will send our politicians a powerful message that diverting from this threatens the future of industry, businesses, families, and communities.  

Mr Andrew Spencer Chair Sheep Producers Australia said that this is a chance for agriculture to come together to send a clear and positive message that those involved in agriculture will not accept policies that damage our industries for political purposes.

“This is an opportunity for our parliamentarians to be reminded of the value of agriculture, and sheep producers in particular, to the Australian economy, society, and our regional communities.”

There have been over 80k signatories to date to the #KeeptheSheep campaign. Australians are sending a very clear message that the live sheep ban is setting an appalling precedent that agricultural policy can be set on political ideology rather than facts and evidence.

“Policy decisions must be informed by farmers' lived experience and designed to sustain and strengthen the industry. Australian agriculture's future depends on policies grounded in science, data, and evidence.” Mr Spencer.

The Rally is about raising a united voice for agriculture to the attention of all decision makers of all political persuasions.

Bindi Murray Board Director and WA Producer said “Sheep Producers Australia continues to strongly oppose banning live sheep exports. We have been working hard to demonstrate the impact this ban would have on our producers and their communities and also to amplify the voices of those affected in this debate. We have been fighting for the best outcomes for sheep producers on this issue for many years. This fight will continue.”

“We support the #KeeptheSheep campaign as a rejection of this policy and as a movement of the grassroots industry and supply chain to change this policy. This rally will demonstrate the frustration that builds across the whole industry and nation when good people and communities are impacted by bad policy.” Ms Murray.

Media 

Annie Frisch

General Manager Public Relations

media@sheepproducers.com.au 

M 0455 999 130