V&V Walsh signs China meat deal

Western Australia’s billion dollar agrifood export business with China has received another boost with the signing of a cooperation agreement between V & V Walsh and Grand Farm.

The deal, estimated at $1 billion, will see China’s largest red meat importer, Grand Farm, invest $200 million in WA to increase lamb and beef production.

Bunbury meat processor V&V Walsh will spend $800 million on processing facilities and feeding systems in Inner Mongolia, and reportedly will need another 500,000 lambs and 30,000 cattle to meet its export requirements.

Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston said the five year project demonstrated the vision of the two companies.

“This joint venture is an exciting development which now presents an opportunity for the significant transformation of both the WA and Inner Mongolian cattle and sheep meat industries,” Mr Baston said.

“Built upon our outstanding biosecurity status and world-class management systems, WA enjoys an enviable international reputation for producing safe, quality lamb and beef products.

 “We are continually looking for ways to strengthen our existing supply chains and develop new ones to better meet growing consumer demands.”