For the first time, Canadian beef has been granted market access to Australia, while fresh/chilled and frozen beef from the US can re-enter the market after being locked out since 2019.
The news comes after the completion of a Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF) review into the importation of beef from the two countries and as trade negotiations continue between the US and Australia.
However, on Friday afternoon Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud doubled down on his calls for an independent review of the decision, saying comments in the past 24 hours made by the US Administration are at odds with Labor’s claim that the move was predicated on biosecurity and science.
“We need to know if Labor is sacrificing our high biosecurity standards just so Prime Minister Anthony Albanese can obtain a meeting with US President Donald Trump,” Mr Littleproud said.
On Thursday US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued a statement congratulating President Trump on the "major trade breakthrough".
“American farmers and ranchers produce the safest, healthiest beef in the world," Secretary Rollins said.
"It’s absurd that non-scientific trade barriers prevented our beef from being sold to consumers in Australia for the last 20 years.
"Gone are the days of putting American farmers on the sidelines. This is yet another example of the kind of market access the President negotiates to bring America into a new golden age of prosperity, with American agriculture leading the way."
President Trump also touted his trade negotiating credentials in a post on Truth Social on Friday morning, Australian time. Read his post below.
Shadow Minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism Kevin Hogan said comments from the US Administration indicate this decision was a negotiation tool, rather than being about biosecurity.
“We have the US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer directly connecting this decision to the US-Australia trade relationship, but the Albanese Government is saying the complete opposite,” Mr Hogan said.
“We cannot be using our science-based biosecurity standards as a bargaining chip.”
Meat & Livestock Australia Managing Director Michael Crowley said DAFF and the authorities in both countries had finalised health certification and import permit conditions.
"As a result, both US and Canadian beef will be permitted entry into Australia," Mr Crowley said.
US beef has technically had access to the Australian market since 2019, and this was a point of contention in April when US President Donald Trump referred to Australia's "ban" on US beef during his tariff announcement speech.
Meat from cattle born in Mexico and Canada and slaughtered in America has previously been blocked due to biosecurity concerns. This effectively meant all fresh/frozen beef from the continent was blocked because US supply chains are highly integrated. Processed beef has been allowed since 2019 due to limited biosecurity concerns.
New strengthened biosecurity protocols are outlined in this report that states that Canadian cattle entering the US now require individual radio frequency identification ear tags, traceable to birth, a CAN brand or tattoo before arrival at the port of entry and an official health certificate issued by a vet. Similarly Mexican-born cattle entering the US must have individually identified ear tags that can be traced back to the farm they were born/raised on, a blue metal tag indicating Mexican state of origin and a M brand, and health statement.
It has been confirmed that any beef slaughtered in the United States and exported to Australia will carry US country of origin labelling, even if the animals were born and raised in Canada or Mexico.
It should also be noted that the US Border is currently closed to Mexican cattle due to an outbreak of New World Screwworm.
Mr Crowley moved to allay fears of Australian producers, who rightly are proud and protective of their biosecurity prowess.
"Australia maintains one of the strictest biosecurity regimes in the world to protect our livestock industries, environment, and food safety," Mr Crowley said.
"The Australian Government decision to permit beef imports from the US and Canada follows a comprehensive risk assessment, ensuring that all biosecurity protocols and import conditions meet Australia’s high standards.
"The finalised federal government health certification and import permit conditions reflect stringent safeguards to prevent the introduction of exotic diseases and uphold the integrity of Australia’s biosecurity system.
"MLA supports science-based decision-making and the continued vigilance of our national biosecurity framework to protect the interests of Australian producers and consumers."
Cattle Australia has called for an independent scientific panel to review the decision.
CA Chief Executive Officer, Will Evans, said while the Minister and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry had provided assurance that cattle born and raised in either Mexico and Canada before slaughter in the US will comply with Australia’s standards for biosecurity and food safety, the highest level of caution must be exercised to protect Australia’s beef industry.
“Cattle Australia has consistently said biosecurity assessments must be based on the best available scientific evidence and must be equivalent.” Mr Evans said.
“While we have been given assurances, and the Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins earlier today said she has full faith in the robustness of her department’s biosecurity assessment and the ability of her officials to have undertaken this assessment appropriately, we believe an independent scientific assessment is a sensible and prudent way forward. This must occur before imports commence.
“There is simply too much at stake when it comes to Australia’s world-leading biosecurity status not to get a second opinion. Given the Minister’s confidence she should have no issue appointing an independent panel to take the highest level of precaution in protecting the Australian beef industry.”
Earlier Mr Evans expressed disappointment that the government had made its announcement without providing industry with the full details.
“We will be taking the time to read through the report in detail and ensure it aligns with our long held position that any imports of beef from the US must align and be equivalent with the conditions that the US places on Australian beef imports," he said.
“This science-based process has been, and always should be, conducted completely independently of any international trade negotiations."
Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins on Thursday said the government would never compromise on biosecurity.
Asked whether an independent review was warranted, the Minister told APlus News she had full confidence in DAFF’s decision.
“The US Beef Imports Review has undergone a rigorous science and risk-based assessment over the past decade," Ms Collins said.
“The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is satisfied the strengthened control measures put in place by the US effectively manage biosecurity risks."
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus took the opportunity to promote the merits of US beef when contacted for comment by APlus News on Thursday.
"From farm to fork, the United States is the gold standard for safe and delicious beef, and we have some of the highest animal health and food safety standards in the world," Mr Bacus said.
"Our food safety begins with our farmers and ranchers. Today, 85% of the American beef supply comes from farms and ranches that hold Beef Quality Assurance certification.
"This certification reflects the latest science-based production practices that ensure cattle well-being, beef quality, and safety.
"The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is a strong supporter of and continually engages with Codex Alimentarius and the World Organization for Animal Health as part of our commitment to healthy cattle and safe protein.”
A spokesperson from the BCBA confirmed that only processed products, such as jerky, has been sent to Australia in the past financial year.
"The market will dictate what is actually sent to Australia, but in similar markets the United States has exported a wide variety of beef cuts including chuck, rib, loin, round, brisket, short plate, and flank," they said.
However, with Australia producing about three times more beef than needed to feed our population, and about 70% of our production exported, the impact of US and Canadian beef entering Australia is expected to be minimal.
The American cattle herd is currently at its lowest point since 1951. The American industry relies on imports to meet its own domestic demand. Australia and the US have had a free trade agreement in place for over 20 years and are long-term trading partners.