Global partnership strengthens voice of sheep producers worldwide

The Global Sheep Forum (GSF) and International Meat Secretariat (IMS) will work together for a one-year trial period to collaborate on shared challenges and opportunities across the global sheep industry.

Announced as part of the World Meat Congress in Brazil this week, the alignment will benefit the global sheep industry by strengthening collaboration, improving knowledge exchange, and aligning strategic priorities for the international sheep farming community.

As part of this agreement, members of the GSF, including Sheep Producers Australia, Agriculture Horticulture Development Board, American lamb Board, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Canadian Sheep Federation, National Sheep Association and National Wool Growers Association of South Africa, and IMS will meet virtually during the coming year to discuss issues of importance to the global sheep industry.

IMS will provide secretariat support for the merged group, including meeting coordination, documentation, and communications.

A review will be conducted at the end of the trial to assess the effectiveness and value of the merger with feedback collected from members and stakeholders. This will determine if the partnership continues and will suggest improvements.

Beef + Lamb NZ Principal Policy Advisor Nicholas Jolly will chair the group for this initial year.

Nick grew up on a high-country sheep farm in the South Island of New Zealand and has been involved with the Global Sheep Forum for the last five years.

“Beef + Lamb NZ is a longstanding member of both the GSF and the IMS and looks forward to the opportunity to bring the groups together, given their shared focus on all aspects of sheepmeat production,” he said. “We have always felt that we are stronger as a global industry when we work together and there are many opportunities for collaboration.”

IMS Secretary General Phil Hadley agreed.

“The Global Sheep Forum and the IMS Sheep Committee have shared goals and bringing them together enhances opportunities for discussion on a range of key issues for the sheepmeat industry,” he said. “I’m looking forward to bringing the two groups together.”