Meat grading system behind WA beef sales rise: Minister

11/4/01
Western Australian sales of beef have risen significantly during the last year as a result of the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) meat grading system, Agriculture Minister Kim Chance said today.
At MSA's first birthday celebration in Perth, Mr Chance paid tribute to the WA beef industry for making the beef eating quality system a success.
MSA was developed by the national industry association Meat and Livestock Australia, to provide a scientifically backed program for quality beef production and processing to deliver a superior product.
Agriculture Western Australia has invested more than $1,000,000 to support the implementation of MSA in WA.
Mr Chance said the investment had produced dividends in both the domestic and export markets.
"The MSA system has improved the integrity and performance of supply chain management and enhanced the competitiveness of WA beef, such that exporters are in a stronger position to access new markets," he said.
"One WA meat processor, EG Greens and Sons, was recently able to consolidate its markets in the Middle East by underpinning its product with the MSA system."
More than 1,500 WA cattle producers are now registered to supply MSA graded beef, representing more than 60 per cent of beef production in the agricultural area.
All major WA meat processors have endorsed MSA and are using the scheme to supply 175 retailers and 142 food service outlets throughout WA.
According to reports from MSA retailers, the beef grading system has been responsible for increasing beef consumption in WA by up to 15 per cent.
Mr Chance said MSA had generated increased consumer confidence in the eating quality of beef, which has had an impact throughout the supply chain.
"WA has lead the nation in the adoption of MSA, both by cattle producers and the processing industry, who together are producing a more consistent, better quality product for consumers to enjoy," he said.
"These stakeholders are benefiting not only from more predictable returns, but also from the extensive MSA carcase feedback data they use to improve management systems to further enhance the eating quality of beef.
"I congratulate the WA beef industry, MLA and AGWEST for their achievements with MSA in its first year of operation and I look forward to observing its further expansion and rewards to producers, processors and consumers in the future."
Media contact: Mike Marren 9213 6700