12 December 2011
DAFF11/268L
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, has expressed Australia’s support and admiration for Japanese farmers affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami during a trade visit to Japan.
Minister Ludwig said Australia and Japan’s bilateral relationship is strong.
“Australia was touched by the outpouring of sympathy from Japan following the floods in Queensland in January 2011,” Minister Ludwig said.
“Three months later, Australians were shocked by the events in March in Japan and rallied to support the victims of the disaster.”
Minister Ludwig saw the effects of the tsunami firsthand when visiting farms in the Tohoku region yesterday, where he joined the Australian cattle industry to deliver fodder for affected livestock farmers.
“It is heartening to see the work of these dedicated farmers undertaking recovery efforts after the devastating tsunami,” Minister Ludwig said.
“Their dedication and resilience is a testament to their country.”
In Sendai, Minister Ludwig met with students from Miyagi Agricultural High School who recently visited Australia with the support of the Australian cattle industry.
“It is great to see how dedicated these students are to agriculture despite the challenges facing the region,” Minister Ludwig said.
“Witnessing the adversity these students have overcome, and the positive attitude they still have, is grounding and encouraging.”
Minister Ludwig is in Japan from 10-13 December as part of talks on agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
Prior to his visit to Japan, Minister Ludwig visited China from 7-10 December for agriculture talks. His next stop is the Republic of Korea, where he will visit from 13-14 December.
For photos from the Minister’s North Asia trip, please contact Melissa Patch 0418 734 413 or Katana Smith 0459 813 574.
