Opening of Mt Romance emu farm and production complex near Denmark

27/4/95

Primary Industry Minister Monty House today opened a new production facility to help a pioneering emu company boost its drive to be a leader in the international emu products market.

At the opening of the Mt Romance emu farm, manufacturing, retail, tourism and administration complex near Denmark, Mr House said the farm and company - established by Stephen and Karen Birkbeck - had become a model agribusiness exporter.

"Mt Romance Australia has developed a highly respected business from emu oil-based luxury cosmetic, therapeutic and emu meat products and is an outstanding example of an innovative agricultural enterprise," Mr House said.

"From humble beginnings the company has won markets in France, Italy, Spain, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, China and New Zealand for emu oil-based products, meat, leather and feathers which will be worth about $2.5 million this year.

"The results of a five-year research program are now paying off with a $250,000 shipment of cosmetics to Paris and strong interest in other emu products from importing countries.

"This export success is the result of persistence, planning, a strong market focus and a vision to develop an internationally competitive industry."

Mr House said the project was important for regional development and the local Denmark community by providing a tourism drawcard and employment opportunities.

In 1993, the Birkbecks forged a joint venture with powerful marketer, the French Autruches company, to help co-ordinate medical research and marketing to meet the international surge in emu-based products.

Mr House also assisted the company's expansion in the French market with Ministerial representations during a trade mission last year, supported applications for cosmetic and medical approvals in South East Asian markets, and backed applications for Federal Government market development funds.

The company was today presented with a $240,000 export marketing grant from Austrade and the Federal Department of Primary Industries as part of its development program.

The Department of Commerce and Trade had supported Mt Romance in business plannng and market research.

The Department of Agriculture has been closely involved with the development of the emu industry through research into breeding and production, harvesting and products such as oil, leather, meat and feathers.

The emu industry originated in Western Australia.  However, there are now more than 750 emu farms Australia-wide which are expected to produce about three million litres of emu oil annually by the year 2000.

Mt Romance believe this will be worth about $60 million to emu farmers and up to $1.2 billion if valued added into cosmetic products.

Mr House said the challenge for the Australian emu industry was to become established in the European, Asian and United States markets before competing countries could gain a firm foothold.

Media contact:  Will Henwood 481 2044 or 041 9901500

Mt Romance Australia Pty Ltd principal Stephen Birkbeck (098) 408040