The live sheep by sea trade ban could see the value of NSW sheep and lamb sales take a $125 million hit in just two years, NSW Farmers has warned as it fronted a state government inquiry.
NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said analysis conducted by the state’s peak farm body showed the impact of the trade ban would reach far beyond the west coast, with the sheep market in the eastern states soon to feel the ongoing effects.
“Switching off this market access will have serious consequences right across the country, and that includes NSW,” Mr Martin said.
“Once the trade ban takes effect, NSW sheep and lamb prices could take a 14 per cent hit over just two years, and in times following drought, our industry will suffer without the ability to draw on the west coast to restock their sheep flocks.
“Domestic feed grain and fodder supplies will also face price declines, with fewer sheep to feed, and there will also be shearer shortages due to the trade shutdown to boot.”
Ongoing federal government support to assist producers through the industry shutdown was also drastically inadequate, Mr Martin said.
“While current federal funding for the phaseout lightly touches on supports for domestic oversupply and processing, we have serious questions as to how this will sufficiently support producers and supply chains,” Mr Martin said.
“Whether you’re producing sheep in western NSW or Western Australia, you will be dramatically affected – and we welcome this first opportunity to be consulted by NSW Parliament on this illogical decision.
“If the federal government’s saying this shutdown won’t affect our state, then why are they spending tens of thousands of dollars on NSW radio ads telling producers to prepare themselves for the end of the trade?”
-NSW Farmers