TRADE Minister Mark Vaile has announced a significant breakthrough for sheepmeat exporters, with Australia and Argentina reaching agreement on certification arrangements for Australian sheepmeat exports.
Mr Vaile acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) in Buenos Aires and the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) to realise the opportunity that will open Australian lamb to the $10 million Argentine market.
“This offers an exciting opportunity for the Australian lamb industry and an excellent example of Austrade’s important work in finding new and emerging markets for Australian exporters,” Mr Vaile said.
Austrade recognised an opportunity for Australian lamb in Argentina following discussions with potential buyers in the market and interested Australian suppliers.
The commission then initiated and mediated talks between the Argentine Sanitary Authority (SENASA) and AQIS over recent months to establish the import protocol.
“Accreditation of Australian suppliers is now under negotiation but we expect Australian lamb could be in the Argentine market within two to three months,” Mr Vaile said.
Austrade is now planning to promote the opportunity to Australian lamb suppliers with a priority towards a sustainable and productive entry into the market.
