EFFECTIVE VALUE CHAIN PARTNERSHIPS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR RAPID ADOPTION OF BEEF GENETICS TECHNOLOGY

The directional flow of genetic material from the beef seedstock sector through the beef value chain provides the opportunity for efficient multiplication and dispersion of benefits from the adoption of genetics technology. In order to realise this opportunity it is essential that the different sectors of the industry work together in partnership to provide the necessary market signals, incentives, motivation and associated rewards from the application of genetics technology. This paper reviews the essential elements of effective partnerships among businesses and organisations across the beef industry focused on harnessing improvements in profitability through the adoption of genetics technology. It is concluded that there is considerable scope to further enhance the co-ordination of the beef value delivery chain through the establishment of new partnerships, and improvement of existing partnerships, to provide a more favourable environment for the realisation of the benefits from the application of genetics technology. A genetics technology adoption roadmap is needed to provide focus for identifying and addressing the barriers to the adoption of genetics technology, and to develop a clear set of strategies, responsibilities and actions to capture opportunities for future improvement. This roadmap will need to consider the role of the design, establishment and maintenance of effective partnerships that facilitate the communication of the genetics value proposition and associated market signals across the value delivery chain