When it comes to world trade in primary produce, it is difficult to argue against a level playing field but the trade in pork products exemplifies where it all comes unstuck.
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Australian pork producers are kilo for kilo right up there with efficiency and management and despite the claims by animal activists, they truly embrace the highest animal welfare standards.
Australian producers have been at the forefront in ceasing the use of sow farrowing crates. These are structures where the movement of a farrowing sow is restricted to prevent her from rolling on her newborn piglets.
The industry, as a whole, is not convinced by the argument but has, to a large extent, removed gestation stalls.
However, here is the rub. While all the fresh pork sold in Australia is produced on Australian farms, most of the ham and bacon are imported from countries using farming practices that are no longer deemed acceptable in Australia.
The consumer is kept in the dark by duplicitous labelling. Currently, imported product is labelled Made in Australia when, in fact, it should read Manufactured in Australia.
The peak industry body has made a submission to government requesting stricter labelling.
Imported pork is about is 55 per cent from the US, with the balance predominantly from the Netherlands and Denmark, and some from Canada.
It has been claimed that the interests of farmers and those of animal liberationists have aligned. Maybe on this singular issue, however, the long-term aim of activists is to stop the farming of animals in any form.
