Live sheep exports to Arabs urged

Press, 16 June 1983, Page 24

Live sheep exports to Arabs urged

PA Hamilton Live sheep exports from New Zealand to the Arab States must be given “urgent and earnest consideration,” according to the Meat Board’s assistant general manager, Mr A. E. Frazer. Speaking at the Ruakura farmers’ conference in Hamilton, Mr Frazer said it was clear to him that meat from live sheep slaughtered in those countries could not be substituted by carcase lamb and cuts supplied from New Zealand. New Zealand would be doing itself “a grave disservice” if it did not explore

the export of live sheep, he said.

“Obviously it is an issue that poses questions in the minds of employees in the meat processing industry as to the possible loss of jobs. “However, this must be weighed against the contribution which a new market outlet can make to the continued viability of the sheepmeat industry. Without such viability all jobs in the industry are at risk. “Increased jobs in transporting, feeding and loading livestock and producing fodder would result,” he said.

Mr Frazer suggested a trial period of three years, with the shipment of up to two million animals a year. He believed such a trial would protect the interests of the meat processing workers who might be affected by a move to live shipments. New Zealand needed to take advantage of this new market outlet, he said. New Zealand’s involvement in supplying live.sheep would enhance its standing in the region and improve prospects for the export of meat and other New Zealand goods, he said.