Business Ethics And Sustainability Research Assignment (Research Paper Sample)

Business ethics and sustainability
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Executive summary
Live animal export is a sub-sector of the agriculture sector. It is common in the regional areas in Australia where farmers export their livestock. Meat customers prefer to slaughter the animal. That preference contributed to the rise of the business. This report discusses significance, limitations and strategies set towards the sector.
Table of Contents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u 1.Introduction PAGEREF _Toc472632050 \h 32.Animals selected PAGEREF _Toc472632051 \h 33.Why livestock is selected PAGEREF _Toc472632052 \h 34.Importance of exporting live animals PAGEREF _Toc472632053 \h 35.Limitations of exporting live animals PAGEREF _Toc472632054 \h 56.Strategies to improve the industry PAGEREF _Toc472632055 \h 67.Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc472632056 \h 7
1 Introduction
Live animal exporting refers to the process of moving animals; (domestic) such as sheep, cattle and goats from a country to another (Di Nardo, et al. 2011, P.63.)The animals are transported for various functions for example, for breeding and to be slaughtered. Others purchase the animals to graze them. When they are obtained from other countries, the export activity takes place. In some cases, wild animals may be moved, but the government controls such activities.
2 Animals selected
This report uses livestock to explain the animal export industry. Cows, sheep and goats are discussed in depth on their advantages, limitations and strategies developed towards this trade. Australia is said to be leading in animal and their welfare practices worldwide. They have a well-established agriculture, food and farming sector (Allen, 2011, P.27.)
3 Why livestock is selected
The report chose to discuss animal export in Australia since it is a broad industry that involves approximately a third of the rural residents’ population. Many participants invest, sell and trade the livestock to earn income. The herd, for instance, cattle, have various breeds that create a large market for them to be exported. Adaptaur, Braford and the Brangus are exported for meat while the Friesian and Zebu are dairy cows (Liu, et al. 2010, P.698.) Aussie down and the Australian White are breeds of sheep exported for mutton.
4 Importance of exporting live animals
Creation of job opportunities- (Pearson, et al. 2010, P. 12.) say in 2012, about 13,000 individuals in rural areas participated in the industry. Since the industry is dominant in the regional areas of Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria, rural residents find an opportunity to graze and export the animals. Jobs are created in that some wealthy persons invest in the livestock by employing grazers, lending green land for pasture, using veterinary experts and getting agents to find buyers of the animals. The process of exporting involves numerous procedures which require different people in each process. Both local and international employment is created.
Fostering international trades- This process helps Australia to improve its balance of payments by increasing the exports. 2014/2015, cattle and sheep exports grew by 22% and 9% respectively (Jiang, 2014, P. 94).The percentages imply the government and stakeholders are concentrating on modifying the sector to make it the recognized animal export industry globally.
Eradicating food insecurity- Countries which do not have a strong agricultural sector may experience hunger. Therefore, Australia exports the livestock for beef and mutton. When a country can export some commodities, it means it has abundant of them. Due to animal husbandry, the country remains healthy, producing an active generation to build its economy. In the Middle East, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia acquire livestock from Australia (Siegmund-Schultze, et al. 201, P. 288).
Generation of income and revenue to the government-Qureshi, et al. (2013, P.101.) say A$891.7 million was raised as Australia’s earnings on animal export in 2012. The amount is reported to be increasing in the subsequent years. The federal government uses the number to diversify other sectors such as infrastructure, education and health. On the other hand, people benefiting from the exercise improve their standards of living making Australia a comfortable place to live.
Technology and innovation-In order to make the industry productive, Australians have embraced innovations and the introduction of technology to the sector. Such changes include the use of genetic ability for breeding and reproduction, checking on the livestock’s health and diseases. The health is managed by vaccinating and offering proper nutrition. Such methods improve productivity as well as promoting the business culture where people adapt to changes in the business environment. If the Australians keep on using old methods, competitors will win the international market.
International relations- through trading of the animals, Australia can create mutual relationships with its trade partners. They help to eliminate quotas, trade tariffs, and reduced barriers to trade. Such countries can trade freely, but patents, trademarks and other intellectual property must be observed when buying and selling. When the states understand each other, they can borrow or sell on credit.
5 Limitations of exporting live animals
Arguments against live exports- some groups have been arguing that live movement should be abolished and Australia to adopt export of beef, mutton and other meat. The groups claim meat and dairy products can be preserved using refrigerators. Some animals are reported to have died or fallen sick during the voyages.
Government policy- At times the government interrupts the business. For example, in 2011, the live cattle ban rule was introduced (Munro, 2015, P.217.) It was aimed at improving ethics and morals. During that time, the participants of the industry faced a challenge since most importers preferred live meat.
Animal cruelty- the industry has been associated with cases where animals are roughly treated. Some farmers even export petite animals to be slaughtered. Moreover, the slaughtering exercise is brutal where throats are cut when the animal is fully conscious. Several groups have advocated for farmers to use authorized bodies to slaughter and transport packaged meat and dairy products.
6 Strategies to improve the industry
Forming an assurance to importers- the federal government has set up the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) (Juan Ding, 2014, P.102.)The body controls trade and ensures all animals exported are healthy and fit for trading. ESCAS creates confidence to the buyers. The body is always refined and implemented to suit the needs of the customers.
Government legislation - the government, monitors the whole process from the farmers to the oversea buyers. Once it notices non-ethical behaviors, it intervenes immediately. For instance, in 2011, it issued a ban on the industry, especially on beef. The business was suspended until everything resumed to normal. The strategy helped to control the industry.
Documentation- this plan has been implemented to avoid illegal business. Every trade conducted concerning the animals must have records documented by the relevant authority. The federal government uses this approach to prevent illicit trade which may be done by traders pretending they are exporting animals. For instance, the meat export license is mandatory when selling on beef and mutton (Briggs, 2014, P.1113.).
Livestock organizations- the emergence of Cattle Council of...