Feedback wanted for the Red Meat MOU Green Paper

The structure of Australia’s red meat industry is under review and your views as industry members are sought before submissions close at 5:00pm AEDT Friday 14 March 2019.

The review is being conducted by the Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) under the stewardship of an industry taskforce led by Jim Varghase AM. Our congratulations go to RMAC, the RMI Taskforce, its chair and secretariat, for their hard work in pulling this consultative work together.

AMPC participated in the initial rounds of industry consultation, represented by both our chair, John Berry, and CEO, Peter Rizzo. This consultation process helped to form the basis of the review Green Paper, which was recently released and is available to download online at:

• RMAC Red Meat Industry MOU Green Paper

The Green Paper:

• Gives an overview of the current arrangements and issues, there is strong support for change and improvement;
• It directly outlines some scenarios on what the future might look like and what options there may be for a future MOU under each scenario; and it
• Discusses some of the potential implications of these options for reform on the industry.

In response to initial industry consultation, the Green Paper poses four different options for the future structure of the Australian red meat industry:

• Improvements to existing MOU
  This option implies that the existing MOU remains fit-for-purpose in taking the industry forward for the next 20 years. Improvements could be made around the wording of the document to reflect contemporary standards and practices. Existing service provision arrangements for R&D largely stay in place.
• Law of the jungle
  This option would cancel the MOU and include the removal of RMAC and existing R&D bodies. New arrangements will evolve to suit various industry-segment needs.
• Hybrid model
  This option is a hybrid approach between Option 1 and 4 involving the development of a new MOU that proposes the rationalisation of R&D service providers to two, and an expertise-based board for RMAC.
• A revitalised red meat industry led by a new organisation
  This option involves a significant redrafting of the MOU to provide for one supply chain-orientated R&D service provider, an enhanced advocacy function and the capacity to respond agilely to emerging industry challenges and opportunities.

The four options, with an analysis of their pros and cons, are laid out for consideration in the Green Paper, and are based on the feedback received from stakeholders during the initial consultation period. However, the Taskforce notes that the ultimate model for change, if warranted, may involve elements of the four options or a different approach altogether.

As a contributor and vital part of your red meat industry, it is strongly encouraged that your views are heard by sending submissions to redmeatmou@rmac.com.au or directly to us at admin@ampc.com.au before Friday 14 March 2019.