Ranchers speak out on proposed BMC Act

While we agree with the removal of the beef export monopoly, such a step should be preceded and underpinned by an informed comprehensive industry and sector review dealing with the policy and long term strategy framework for the livestock industry in order to put the industry as a whole on a sustainable basis.

We believe that the proposed amendments will not have the desired effect of creating a sustainable beef industry. The removal of the beef export monopoly should be part of the comprehensive and broad reform measures in the sector to ensure its sustainability. To give effect to these economic reforms there is need for institutional, regulatory and legislative changes underpinned by a comprehensive policy and livestock strategy including, among others, the removal of the BMC beef export monopoly.