NT bullish as Indonesia mooves to import more cattle

OFFICIALS in the Northern Territory believe their export market for cattle and buffalo is on firm ground after hosting Indonesian ambassador Siswo Pramono and a delegation of senior officials.

Doing the hosting was the Northern Territory Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

In an official statement, the Northern Territory government said it was committed to securing sustainable and reliable cattle and buffalo trade.

Indonesia is the NT’s biggest live cattle market, receiving around 90% of the state’s exports, according to the statement.

“The NT cattle industry is worth around $1.2 billion to the NT economy, and strengthening these relationships is crucial to supporting investment, jobs and long-term market confidence,” the statement read.

The Indonesian delegation saw first-hand the NT’s capability, from biosecurity systems to livestock production and supply chain infrastructure.

Industry partners, including the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association and the NT Live Exporters’ Association, joined activities throughout the visit.

These included key livestock and research facilities, reflecting the government–industry collaboration underpinning northern livestock trade.

“The delegation’s visit highlights the importance of the NT as a strong trading partner and supports broader diplomatic, commercial and agricultural collaboration between Australia and Indonesia,” the statement read.

A recent trade mission to Indonesian, including the National Farmers Federation, confirmed ongoing demand for Australian agricultural exports.

Southeast Asia is one of the fastest growing global regions and is expected to drive economic growth through to 2040 and beyond, according to NFF interim chief executive Su McCluskey.

Ms McCluskey recently participated in the Strategic Agribusiness Partnerships Mission to Indonesia and Brunei, confirming “strong appetite” for deeper commercial, research and technical partnerships with Australian agribusinesses.

Indonesia has a population of almost 285 million and with a growing need for protein and other nutritional foods to help them meet their Nutritious Meals program.