State Labor backs in on-farm meat processing

Picture: Matthew Tack, STAMP Treasurer

State Labor has called for law changes to allow small meat producers to be able to process their own meat, rather than go through an abattoir.

This follows in October last year, the Southern Tasmanian Association of Meat Processors (STAMP) launching a petition on the subject.

"Meat processing closures have placed enormous pressure on the local producers all over the state. We need to reform the laws that are holding producers back from innovating and value-adding to their products”, Labor Leader Dean Winter said.

“The Government’s red tape is needlessly prohibiting farmers from selling their own meat products, safely produced on-farm. It makes absolutely no sense and it needs to change.”

 According to Mr Winter, allowing farmers to process their own meat through mobile, on-farm processing would:

• Eliminate unnecessary stress on livestock associated with transport, improves animal welfare, and leads to better quality meat.
• Supports jobs in regional communities, supports skills and small farms by allowing the creation of new brands and lowing production costs.
• Offer the chance to boost paddock to plate tourism and hospitality opportunities.

• Lead to improved environmental impacts, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower “food miles”, and more sustainable waste disposal.

  The State Government said that they are working through the matter and it is about "getting the balance right" between supporting primary producers, and appropriate animal welfare standards.