15/8/05
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance today expressed his concern at the two-week closure of the beef processing and marketing operations of E G Green and Sons.
Mr Chance said the State Government was keeping a watching brief on the situation.
The Minister said the outcome of the Harvey-based company’s review of its trading situation would be critical for the State’s beef industry.
“The State Government recognises the economic contribution that E G Green makes to the South-West economy and to Western Australia’s agricultural production and exports,” he said.
“E G Green is WA’s major beef processor and exporter and has recently increased its involvement in value-adding to the State’s beef exports.”
Mr Chance said he had been kept informed of the issues and the company was aware of his offer to provide advice in the event that it was necessary.
“Given the strong market conditions for beef exports I am confident that a commercial resolution can be found,” he said.
Cattle producers are heavily dependent on the company for processing and price setting because of its dominant position in the beef industry.
In 2004-05, WA exported 24,300 tonnes of beef to Japan, USA and Korea valued at $115million, with most of this production from E G Green’s processing plant.
Minister's office: 9213 6700
