The red meat industry has primary responsibility for its own affairs and strategic future direction. We:
- provide matching research and development funding
- collect and disburse levy monies
- facilitate the management of issues of national importance
- work closely with industry on market access and development opportunities
- support industry interests when dealing with overseas governments and in multilateral negotiations.
Industry bodies
The following red meat industry bodies are signatories to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which sets out the industry arrangements:
- Cattle Council of Australia (CCA)
- Sheep Producers Australia (SPA)
- Goat Industry Council of Australia (GICA)
- Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA)
- Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC)
- Australian Livestock Exporters Council (ALEC)
- Meat & Livestock Australia Ltd (MLA)
- Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC)
- Australian Livestock Export Corporation Ltd (LiveCorp).
The MOU incorporates:
- the definition of agreed roles and responsibilities
- funding, planning and service delivery arrangements
- the road map and strategic plan – Red Meat 2030
- industry reserves
- research and development.
the MOU also incorporates the schedules, which cover:
- Red Meat Advisory Council
- AUS-MEAT Ltd
- SAFEMEAT
- Funding flows
- Crisis and issues management
The Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) provides leadership on cross-sectoral issues. They consult with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on agreed whole of industry matters. RMAC is the custodian of the MOU, Red Meat 2030 and industry reserves. It administers and uses income from the reserves to:
- cover peak industry body (PIB) participation costs
- coordinate maintenance of Red Meat 2030
- review and provide support to industry relationships.
RMAC membership is limited to the presidents/chairmen of the peak bodies representing levy payers (CCA, SPA, GICA, ALFA, AMIC and ALEC).
Research and Development Corporations
There are three red meat Research and Development Corporations (RDCs): MLA, AMPC and LiveCorp. Each invest in research and development and marketing to improve the profitability, productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of the industry and create demand for the products it produces.
The RDCs are funded by:
- statutory levies and charges from producers, processors and livestock exporters
- voluntary contributions
- matching funding from the Australian Government for research and development.
They are industry-owned companies, limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001. They are controlled and directed by a Board of Directors, which includes representatives from within the industry.
A Statutory Funding Agreement (SFA) between the RDCs and the Australian Government facilitates research and development, matching funding and the management of levy monies. The SFA prohibits the RDCs from engaging in advocacy or agri-politics.
Additional organisations
In addition to the RDCs and peak industry bodies, AUS-MEAT, SAFEMEAT and Animal Health Australia are part of the red meat industry arrangements.
AUS-MEAT Ltd is a joint venture organisation funded by MLA and AMPC. AUS-MEAT maintains national industry standards for meat production and processing. This includes industry language and providing training and audit services on a commercial basis.
SAFEMEAT is a partnership between the Australian Government, state/territory governments and industry to ensure the integrity of Australia’s red meat industry. They promote and have oversight overmanagement systems to deliver a safe and hygienic product. SAFEMEAT also ensures adequate and nationally consistent government standards and regulations relating to meat safety and hygiene are implemented. They also ensure effective crisis management strategies are in place.
Animal Health Australia is a partnership between the Australian Government, state/territory governments, major livestock industries and other stakeholders. It aims to strengthen Australia’s national animal health system and maximise confidence in the safety and quality of Australia’s livestock products in domestic and overseas markets.