Updating a Model of Meat Demand in Australia to Test for the Impact of MSA

Empirical systems of equations modelling approaches were used to (i) try and ascertain the impacts of MSA graded meat on domestic quantities of meat demanded and to (ii) generate updated estimates of consumer responses to price and expenditure changes with respect to domestic retail meat demand. Little evidence was found to suggest that aggregate consumer preferences have changed since the introduction of the MSA grading scheme. However, consumer demand for beef, lamb and pigmeat has become less responsive to changes in their respective prices in recent years. The data compiled for this project provides an updated and consistent set of data that can be used to examine other influences on Australian domestic meat demand.