Local Meatworks Safe, But Barley Under A Cloud

JBS has confirmed their meatworks in Scone will not be affected by China’s important ban on Australian red meat.

Four red meat abattoirs have been blacklisted by the Chinese, in Kilcoy, Toowoomba, Dinmore and Casino.

China has also announced an 80 percent tariff on Australian barley, the second most grown crop in the country, which New South Wales Farmers grains committee chair, Matthew Madden said would be a substantial blow to barley producers if imposed.

“Barley is considered one of Australia’s main exports to China, and our barley industry has a long standing and positive relationship with China.” Mr Madden says.

“Our barley producers currently operate in a competitive, unsubsidised global market,” he said. 

While it is China’s prerogative to impose a tariff against us, it is not justifiable,” he said. 

“We do not believe China has a case against us in their anti-dumping probe,” he said. 

“The Australian Government and the grains industry have provided data that demonstrates our barley producers have not obtained an undue advantage through export prices,”  said Mr Madden.

A final determination on the anti-dumping investigation is expected before May 19.