Demand for healthier meat leads to increased export opportunities

Europeans, particularly Russians, are attracted by the low fat content of kangaroo meat says Phil Franolick from King River International Processors in Perth. He identifies a big ‘gap in the market’ as international demand for kangaroo meat puts pressure on Australian ‘human consumption’ processors.

Russians are consuming large amounts of kangaroo sausages and mince and, despite high prices, harvesting quotas are not being met, he says. “The demand is far higher than we can all meet.”

Emerging native, feral and domestic animal-based industries create $204 million in production a year according to a new report from Rural Industries & Research Development Corporation (RIRDC). With growing consumer wealth and changing tastes there are now opportunities to develop wild resources such as kangaroos, feral goats and camels.

Driving these new industries is:
1)the need for diversification in traditional farming areas;
2)more environmentally sustainable industries for arid land;
3)the production occurring on hobby farms.

Despite the impact of the drought, kangaroo production is one of Australia’s largest emerging livestock industries. Export of the meat has grown strongly over the last fifteen years with a total export value of $45 million in 2004 and the skins are also an important component, with exports totalling $22 million.

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Martin Field 02 6272 4735
“Emerging Animal & Plant Industries – their value to Australia” is available for $36 (incl. postage and handling) from www.rirdc.gov.au or by contacting 02 6272 4819.