Twiggy talks up Ag, big time. But....
- By: "Farm Tender" News
- Hay & Fodder News
- Jul 18, 2017
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Fortescue Metals chairman, Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest's enthusiasm for the future prosperity of Ag is very encouraging. Forrest who made his fortune from the mining sector believes Ag has a "strong multi generational future".
However its not all one way traffic, he has concerns about expensive livestock exports and losing market share to less ethical, lower cost producers and processors from other countries.
Forrest said "I have enormous faith in our agriculture sector. Generation after generation of Australian farmers, including family farmers, will have a strong future, particularly if we can come together and sell our agricultural production under a recognisable Australian label to overseas customers".
He cautioned the beef industry's rush to try and increase the exporting of live Cattle overseas, in a shot at Mining rival Gina Rinehart.
He also suggested that the Chinese would actually prefer their meat, milk and food to be manufactured in Australia. He also mentioned that the Chinese are more over animal husbandry and welfare than we think.
He said labeling is the key to establishing a presence in the massive Chinese market
Forrest has his own investment in Ag via property, his 50,000 head herd and his Harvey Beef abattoir in WA
Forrest spoke at the Marcus Oldham College Foundation fundraising event in Geelong recently.
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