摘要：The cattle and beef industry is a major component of the Australian agricultural sector. Farm-gate earnings are at about $4 billion per annum. About two-thirds of its output is exported, earning almost $3 billion per annum, or about one-third of all farm export revenue (ABARE 1998). In recent years, the beef industry has faced more competition both domestically and internationally. On the domestic market, chicken and pork have gained an increased share of meat consumption at the expense of beef (ABARE 1998). Overseas, liberalisation of some Asian markets has provided more opportunities for the industry, but the recent Asian economic crisis has also imposed challenges. While the beef import quota in the United States has been terminated, some South American exporters have achieved foot-and-mouth free status and are seeking a greater share of the United States market. In such a competitive and rapidly changing environment, it is vital that the scarce research and development (R&D) and market promotion funds available to the beef industry be used in the most efficient way to enhance industry competitiveness.
