IT’S been ‘business as usual’ for prominent rural export company Wellard in 2014 after a relatively quiet 2013, and there are high hopes of an even sturdier 2015 according to Executive Chairman Mauro Balzarini.
The North Queensland Register spoke to Mr Balzarini and his cohorts Rural Exports CEO Fred Troncone General Manager for Asia Scot Braithwaite and General Manager for South East Asia Bernie Brosnan on Friday while they inspected a herd of 4100 head of cattle being spelled at Kelly’s Holding Yards near Townsville destined for Vietnam.
Mr Balzarini said 2014 had proven to be a solid year for the company comparative to last year.
“While this year produced a good overall result, all indications suggest that the market will be even better in 2015,” he said.
“It was great news for the industry in regards to the tariff reductions for livestock included in the FTA agreement with China, however we’ll still have to find out the specific conditions regarding live export.
“We’re not getting to caught up in the possibilities that could eventuate from the agreement just yet, at present we will still be focussing as much as ever on solidifying our trade relations with our clients in Vietnam, Indonesia and the Middle East.”
Rural Exports CEO Fred Troncone said beef demand to Vietnam has been steady since Wellard commenced live export trade with clients there in 2013.
“Our clients in Vietnam are very committed to continued supply of Aussie cattle, we’ve only just scratched the surface regarding the potential for the nation as a high-volume live export partner, which is something we’ll continue to explore and expand in 2015 and beyond,” Mr Troncone said.
“Trade to Indonesia has been very strong this year. It’s the destination we’ve had our longest trade relationship with, and as we move further and further away from 2011 live ex ban we expect trade will continue to pick up in next year.
“Wellard will also continue to supply the Middle Eastern nations including Egypt, Israel and Qatar with sheep and cattle, business has been steady in that sector all year and we expect that to continue next year as well.”
In response to the latest criticism of the ESCAS system and the Australian live export trade spearheaded by Animals Australia after animal cruelty footage surfaced from Gaza, Kuwait and Jordan during the Festival of Sacrifice, Mr Troncone said he was firm in his belief that the ESCAS system has in general been highly effective and efficient in ensuring animal welfare is of the highest priority.
“Wellard has invested more time and money than any other live export company to try and ensure the ESCAS system is working as well as it possibly can.
“It doesn’t matter what business you’re in, there will always be a minority who won’t follow protocols and procedures properly and this is how these problems have arisen.
“We’re not worried about the latest situation as a company, but yes it certainly does worry us from an industry perspective.”