WEST AUSTRALIAN sheepfarmers are being offered $3.6 million in new grants to explore global sheepmeat markets.
The federal government claims there is a rapidly growing global market for sheepmeat, replacing the live sheep exports by sea which are being phased out.
A federal government media release said 12 projects under the $27 million Enhancing Market Demand program will support diversifying exports of Australian agricultural and food products, particularly to the Middle East and North Africa region.
“This includes focusing on increasing demand and sales of sheepmeat at home and abroad as the phase out of live sheep exports by sea progresses, ensuring Australian farmers benefit from the trade of high-quality and ethically produced food and fibre,” the release said.
Grant recipients include industry peak bodies such as Australian Meat Industry Council and the Australian Meat Processor Corporation Ltd; agricultural consultants, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of WA and research organisations such as Charles Sturt University, University of Technology Sydney and Griffith University.
“These organisations will work with Australian sheep, agriculture, food and fibre industries on active and emerging market opportunities, and will assist farmers, producers and exporters to build stronger business-to-business relationships,” the release said.
According to the government the live sheep export by sea industry was worth $411 million in 2002-03 and declined to $50 million in 2024-25. Sheep meat exports grew to be worth $5.7 billion in 2024-25.
“The funding is part of the Australian Government’s almost $140 million transition assistance package to help the Australian sheep industry phase out live sheep exports by sea.”
Agriculture minister Julie Collins said the sheep industry is a proud and important part of the agricultural sector, which is why government continues to support them to diversify their trade and mitigate the impact of change as the country transitions away from live sheep exports by sea.
“We want WA sheep farmers and those associated with the industry to benefit from new markets and the growing sheepmeat export opportunities before us, which is exactly what this funding supports,” Ms Collins said.
“These grants will benefit the Australian sheep, agriculture, food and fibre industries by helping to diversify markets for sheep and broader agri-food products to the Middle East and North Africa region.”