An intersting article. The opportunitiesin this market must be considerable, and combining Australia's reputation for clean green products with Halal makes sense.

I have often wondered why we don't export frozen or chilled Halal meat rather than live animals to countries with large Muslim populations. Are the barriers economic, religious, cultural, or some combination?

Rhian, your question

"I have often wondered why we don't export frozen or chilled Halal meat rather than live animals to countries with large Muslim populations. Are the barriers economic, religious, cultural, or some combination"?

is very, very good.

In time I will be able to comprehensively reply.

But prima facie (a) Muslims are indeed very fond of live animals being shipped to them and (b) our exporters are not as savvy as they could be. After all, innovation in food exports could supplement and not substitute for live exports.

They don't have refridgerators you freekin' idiots.

Jonathan Ariels visionary policy of building up farms and communities In Australia to feed Asia’s growing population to grow enough food now is necessary . In the future there would be even bigger potential market for food to prevent drought and more extreme weather events. Sadly their are constraints and planning opportunities standing it the way of his vision that Jonothan describes. And in need of public discussion.

Given the UN Current estimate of 40 million refugees with many more to come because of rising sea levels, more extreme weather, so it is possible two kill two birds with one stone by solving the refugee problem at the same time. What is needed is Asian refugees invited to live in Australia , flown in from asia and housed. I think many refugees with some farming experience would prefer to stay in rural areas as they have in the past.

An Australian Land Army to mobilize them to use Australian agricultural knowhow. To provide Asia’s future food needs they would look after
look after the livestock, crops, fishing boats and fish farms. Australia,s mining companies know how to build suitable Town new towns. The townships be modeled on English New Towns and experienced architects and planners agriculturists brought in for that purpose. Former PM Julia Gillard’s recent call to become the food bowl of Asia makes perfect sense. Tony Abbot supports this idea for Northern Australia