<P> Lamb has become an increasingly important product as the sheep industry has moved its focus from wool production to the production of prime lamb . The beef meat industry and the lamb industry are represented by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). Live export of cattle and sheep from Australia to Asia and the Middle East is a large part of Australian meat export . Live export practices came under scrutiny after the carrier Cormo Express carrying 52 000 animals was turned away from Saudi Arabia in 2003 due to suspected cases of scabby mouth . The sheep were eventually given to Eritrea . Media coverage has led to calls from animal rights activists for the live export trade to cease . </P> <P> There are currently an estimated 2,000 pig producers in Australia, producing 5 million pigs annually (Productivity Commission). Although relatively small on the world stage (0.4% world production), the industry provides a significant positive impact on local, regional, state, and national economies through income generation and employment . The pork industry contributes approximately $970 m to Australia's GDP and the supply chain contributes $2.6 billion to the GDP . The industry generates over $1.2 b of household income, directly employing 6,500 full - time positions, and the supply chain employs 29,000 people . The Australian pork industry is represented by Australian Pork Limited, a producer - run company created by legislation . </P> <P> Dairy products are Australia's fourth most valuable agricultural export . </P> <P> Domestic milk markets were heavily regulated until the 1980s, particularly for milk used for domestic fresh milk sales . This protected smaller producers in the northern states who produced exclusively for their local markets . The Kerin plan began the process of deregulation in 1986, with the final price supports being removed in 2000 . </P>

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