Australian producers can now sell sheep and goat embryos to Chile, furthering the Australian Government’s commitment to expand international markets for livestock exports.
Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, said market access for sheep and goat embryos added to the improved access gained in January 2014 for Australian producers exporting small ruminant semen to Chile.
“New and improved international market access, including for the genetics export trade, is part of the government’s commitment to all producers,” Minister Joyce said.
“New health conditions for sheep and goat embryos were agreed between Australia and Chile in April 2015.
“As a direct result of this new market access, industry anticipates an increase in the export of sheep and goat embryos from the southern part of Australia, including Western Australia.
“For Australian producers, that means better market opportunities, stronger demand and ultimately a better return at the farmgate.”
Minister Joyce said the demand for small ruminant reproductive material was steadily increasing in South America.
“Genetic exports to Chile were identified as a priority by the Ruminant Genetics Trade Advisory Group,” Minister Joyce said.
“The ruminant genetics industry has welcomed the completion of these export negotiations that have resulted in new export opportunities.
“This government is more than happy to deliver.”
The new health conditions for genetic exports to Chile follow improved market access for bovine genetic material to the United States achieved in August 2014 under an agreement that removed costly and unnecessary bovine tuberculosis testing.
For more information about the export certification process for animal genetics visit the Department of Agriculture’s website agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/export/live-animals/reproductive-material.
