CONSORTIUM FOR NATIONAL BEEF PRODUCTION TO BE SET UP

The Malaysian Reserve, Corporate Malaysia Pg. 7 – 19 February 2008

A CONSORTIUM is in the midst of being set up to boost the nation’s beef production programme, said Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin yesterday, This is crucial to ensure a continuous supply of cattle to farmers, increase beef production and maintain a stable price. This was also in line with the governments aim of increasing beef production to 40% by 2015. The consortium, which will come on stream in the next few months, is expected to be spreadheaded by National Feedlot Corp Sdn Bhd. (NFC) that will hold a majority stake. Other parties are also welcomed to join the consortium, he said.

“I have suggested the setting up of a consor hum to impart cattle for farms in the country on a continuous basis,” Muhyiddin told reporters after officiating the Malaysian Beef Supply Industry Deveiopment Seminar in Putrajaya. He also said the government is discussing with Australia’s largest tattle supplier that is keen to collaborate with local beef suppliers.

“This was because beef price in the world market had increased, and without entering into contracts with beef suppyling nations such as Australia, there would be no guarantee of continuous supply and stable price.”

He also stressed the need to engage the Australian cattle supplier to establish long term ties to ensure competitive pricing of cattle on the back of economies of scale.

“This company (the Australian cattle supplier) is very keen to establish a long term cooperation to supply cattle to Malaysia. That is why we need to have more detailed discussions including on type of cattle, the frequency, the price to be offered, transportatio,shipping and more,” he said. He however declined to name the company. There are 310 feedlotters nationwide, with 50 to 200 per batch, depending on the capacity of the farmer.

In his speech earlier, he expressed the need to develop a branding programme, The National Beef which has high quality, safe to consume beef at reasonable prices.