AUS: Final Release Of EU Beef Quota

HON WARREN TRUSS MP MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY

13 SEPTEMBER 1999

The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Warren Truss, announced today that the final one third of the 1999-2000 High Quality Beef Quota (HQB) covering exports to the European Union (EU) would be released early next week.

Australia's annual HQB quota allocation from the EU is 7,000 tonnes and worth around A$60 million.

The Minister said he decided to make the announcement today following commercial pressure being applied in the export industry

"The allocation process will be the same as that used for the first two thirds of the Quota released in June," Mr Truss said.

"I would like to stress; however, that this allocation should not be seen as an indication that the HQB quota arrangements will not significantly change from 1 July 2000."

The former Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Mark Vaile, asked the Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) early this February to undertake a review of the administration of Australia's beef and sheepmeat quota arrangements for exports to the EU.

"RMAC has provided me with a detailed report of that review, and the Government is studying its recommendations closely," Mr Truss said.

"I expect to be in a position to announce the new EU quota arrangements, for both beef and sheepmeat, in the next couple of months."

© Scoop Media