TasFarmers backs sheep export ban angst

TASFARMERS says farmers across Australia had expressed deep disappointment with the announcement on Tuesday that the Federal Government has passed legislation to end the free trade export in live sheep.

The organisation said despite the industry's extensive efforts to meet every demand to maintain exports, the Federal  Government had made clear its contempt for the industry and was proceeding with their plans to destroy the livelihood of impacted farmers with this ban.

TasFarmers Chief executive officer Nathan Calman said Tasmanian producers stand in solidarity with farmers nationwide, particularly those in Western Australia directly affected by this decision.

"This is a knee-jerk reaction to activist demands to win a few inner city votes at the expense of rural livelihoods,” he said.

“The decision made by parliamentarians is politically motivated and lacks any scientific basis. It will be an uphill battle for the industry with the announcement having scarce details around how the industry will be supported to transition.”

Under the legislation live sheep exports by ship will be banned after May 2028.

The Government is providing a $107 million package to help producers  transition out of the trade.

However industry says that will not be enough.