The Western Australian Farmers Federation wants immediate funding from the State and Federal Governments to ensure fair returns to meat producing farmers and guarantee the nation's food security, arguing the industry in the west is at crisis point.

WAFarmers meat section president, Jeff Murray, is concerned that significantly depressed meat prices will result in an exodus of farmers from the industry.

"New seasons vealers are only four months away from being ready for market and farmers are anxiously examining prices which are below the cost of production," Mr Murray said today.

With fertilizer costs soaring and diesel costs now up to 178 cents per litre, the fate of beef and sheep producers in Western Australia looks grim.

"If abattoirs are not in a position to pay considerably more for livestock, WA would be in danger of a mass exodus of experienced meat farmers," he said.

"This may leave the beef and sheep slaughter industries, which are worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the WA economy, in complete turmoil."

Government support is sought to assist in the funding of the Red Meat Stock Take Program which aims to:

• improve market access;

• assist supply chains to implement and launch new red meat products;

• partner with the processing industry to benchmark competitive performance;

• facilitate the development of improved information flows within the supply chains;

• improve industry and market information; and

• partner with processors to develop and implement sophisticated innovation strategies for R&D and marketing.

"Without the adequate Government support, the next six months will see meat farmers forced to make tough decisions about the future of their farming operations," Mr Murray said.

SOURCE: WAFarmers