The northern Australian beef sector could see more than $3 billion in future industry investment flow into the sector over the next ten years, following the launch of the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia’s (CRCNA’s) latest project today.

CRCNA CEO Jed Matz announced the 10-month, $470,000 industry situational analysis study on behalf lead researcher CSIRO and industry participants the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association (NTCA), Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), AgForce Queensland, the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association (KPCA) and the Cattle Council of Australia (CCA) following the group’s initial project meeting on the sidelines of the MLA Red Meat 2018 event in Canberra.

The CRCNA has committed more than $181,100 in funding and industry participants have committed almost $290,000 in-kind funding towards the project.

The project will look at the beef sector’s whole supply chain from on-farm production through to export markets, examine the industry’s current strategic plans and undertake extensive consultation with producers, industry groups, universities and government departments. A draft report is due to be delivered to the CRCNA and broader industry by mid-2019.

It is expected outcomes from the study could inform the basis of the next Meat Industry Strategic Plan (MISP) and help peak industry bodies and stakeholders, including the CRCNA, develop their future strategic investment plans.

CSIRO’s Dr Chris Chilcott said proven economic and chain modelling tools will be used to assess the impact of interactions along the value chain and identify key challenges and opportunities facing the northern Australian beef industry.

“Part of our analysis will also explore and analyse the economic benefit associated with potential solutions and derived return on investment, ” he said.

MLA General Manager (Producer Consultation and Adoption), Michael Crowley said the research will help shape future research investments that will benefit producers and the northern beef industry.

“By applying a consistent approach to the analysis of the recommendations, the beef industry will be better able to make an objective assessment regarding the best return on any future investment.”

Mr Matz said the significant contributions made by project participants is proof the project is well-supported.

“When you have key industry leaders and organisations stepping up to be a part of something bigger than themselves and commit staff or other in-kind resources to the project, it shows how important gaining a deep and broad understanding of their sector is to their business and to the northern Australian economy.”

The CRCNA’s northern Australia beef situational analysis project is one of 30 agriculture-focused projects the CRCNA has committed to funding since its first open funding call in October 2017.

Media enquiries

CRCNA Communications Manager
Carla Keith – 0499 330 051