Labor wants to allow Tasmanian meat producers to process their products without going through an abattoir

Labor wants to see reform for meat producers, saying the current laws are holding them back from ‘innovating and value-adding to their products’.

LIVESTOCK: Mike O'Halloran angus weaners Mike O'Halloran with his angus weaners on his farm at MansfieldPICTURED: Generic farm. Angus cattle. Weaners. Weaner cattle. Stock Photo.Picture: Zoe Phillips

The opposition wants to see regulations in Tasmania changed to allow small meat producers to process their products without going through an abattoir.

Tasmanian Labor Leader Dean Winter says the calls are coming amid meat processing closures placing “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,” Mr 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.”

Labor leader Dean Winter.

The Southern Tasmanian Association of Meat Processors launched a petition calling for the changes to happen, which Mr Winter said he supported.

“Allowing farmers to process their own meat through mobile, on-farm processing has numerous benefits.

“It eliminates unnecessary stress on livestock associated with transport, improves animal welfare, and leads to better quality meat.

“It supports jobs in regional communities, supports skills and small farms by allowing the creation of new brands and lowing production costs.

“It offers the chance to boost paddock-to-plate tourism and hospitality opportunities.

“And it leads to improved environmental impacts, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower ‘food miles’, and more sustainable waste disposal.”

Mr Winter said Labor was “backing in” Tasmanian meat producers.

“Allowing farmers to process their own meat not only benefits the quality of the product and the environment but adds value to their product and allows them to create their own unique local brands.

“It will create a more sustainable food system – a win-win for both producers and consumers.

“I want to get behind our primary producers, slash red tape and grow our economy. That’s what good Labor governments do.”

Minister Felix Ellis. Picture: Tasmanian Government

Liberal MHA Felix Ellis said his government greatly supported the red meat sector.

“We want to ensure that small businesses have access to the facilities so that they can grow their businesses,” Mr Ellis said.

“I understand that Primary Industries Minister Jane Howlett has been working closely with small red meat producers to try and find opportunities to increase their opportunities to value-add on farm.

“It’s important that we get the balance right – the paddock-to-plate story and economic opportunities for our farmers, while also ensuring that animal welfare and other considerations are taken into account.”

Originally published as Labor wants to allow Tasmanian meat producers to process their products without going through an abattoir