THE building blocks are in place for the live export industry to make a major contribution to food security challenge across the region, the LIVExchange conference in Townsville has been told.
Speaking in one of his last appearances as Australian Livestock Exporters' Council chairman, Simon Crean said a lot has been achieved in developing the industry in the past five years.
"But the foundations are going to be as strong if you make them work for you," Mr Crean said.
"Collectivism has worked. Individually you are great performers, but collectively you can make this building and joining of the dots far more successful."
Mr Crean said the importance of the live export industry to Northern Australia was well understood, underscored by the reality the industry was the fourth largest earner in the red meat industry.
He said was also extremely encouraged that ALEC and LiveCorp had unanimously voted in support of amalgamating of the two bodies under any reorganisation of red meat industry structures.
"They wont do it without your support, so get behind them," Mr Crean said.
"Question what you have to, but understand your fundamental importance as an industry to, not just to the economy and a nation, but think of it in terms of your contribution to the food security challenge in our region.
"The rising tide lifts all boats. The protein demand increases. We're going to be competing with others but we have a quality and an integrity second to none.
"Understand it and seek to make your marks. You've done it so far. don't give up the task, just build on it."
Mr Crean said a number of strong themes had emerged from the conference including that the industry needed to be approached on the basis of investment and not simply trade.
He said he was also encouraged by the approach of Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie, who was actively strengthening government connections with Australia and both Indonesia and Vietnam. That global leadership was ensuring strong business to business connections.
"It's about joining the dots, but it's about doing it in a cohesive way," he said.
"If we strengthen the G to G we can further strengthen the B to B."
