Posted on 07/30/2009 11:44:11 PM PDT by Freelance Warrior
KANGAROO numbers could explode due to a Russian ban on roo meat exports from Australia, farm leaders say.
Queensland farm body AgForce has warned of an environmental disaster and threats to the viability of regional communities.
Russia suspended meat imports from about 24 Australian processing plants on the basis of new health standards.
The move, to start next month, affects all kangaroo meat exports, as well as some beef, sheep meat and other game meat.
AgForce sheep and wool president Brent Finlay said kangaroo harvesting and exporting would not be viable without the Russian market, which takes about 70 per cent of exports.
Kangaroos accounted for 30 per cent of over-grazing pressure and, without harvesting, "roo numbers will leap out of control".
Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke said quarantine officials were seeking details of Russia's concerns, which he believed were "minor technical matters".
The Australian Meat Industry Council's national director of processing Steve Martyn said Russia was an important market. "They've introduced new standards and testing requirements, and the onus is on us to adapt to that."
He said the industry was working with government on the issue, with a Red Meat Market Access Committee meeting due to discuss the matter yesterday.
If it got banned, it’s because the mandatory bribes to the Kremlin didn’t happen.
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