25 July 2008

2 minute read

Oceania

AgForce Cattle president Greg Brown said his board had arranged a special open forum at the Mareeba RSL from 3pm on Tuesday, July 29 to give all producers a chance to catch up on the latest industry issues.

“The beef industry faces some major challenges as the dollar escalates to 97 cents, input costs rise as fuel skyrockets, uncertainty surrounds climate change and any possible emissions trading scheme and we struggle to ensure that regional and rural spending on infrastructure and services is adequate,” Mr Brown said.

“Cattle production remains the cornerstone industry of north Queensland’s rural areas and all participants will be given the chance to raise their issues at this special forum open to everyone with an interest in the long term future of their beef industry.”

Mr Brown said there were a range of issues to be covered by various AgForce Cattle board members on the day.

“This includes marketing issues such as pasture fed certification, food safety issues including Livestock Production Assurance, traceability issues and a whole range of other forward challenges for us to consider, from the potential use of genetically modified organisms in food to how the beef industry might adapt to climate change,” Mr Brown said.

“AgForce Queensland’s Cattle board is a critical player in industry policy. AgForce has seven of the 23 seats on the Cattle Council of Australia and representatives sit on number of its taskforces. “We are also active in working with Meat & Livestock Australia and all tiers of government to ensure we continue to meet consumer expectations for a safe and sustainable product into the future.

“There is no denying we’re in a time of change. If the needs of cattle producers are to be heard we must all be speaking with one voice, giving a single consistent message to government. The forum is a chance for all northern producers to have a say in that voice.”

TheCattleSite News Desk