In recent editions we have highlighted the growing challenge to food sovereignty and security arising from increasingly diminished access to abattoirs for small scale producers. This is of particular relevance to the Society as British White cattle are eminently suited to the smaller scale paddock to plate demographic. But there has been a small win.
Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance’s recent national survey found that 80% of respondents have lost or are about to lose access to their nearest service kill abattoir. This threatens the viability of direct-to-community meat sales and the sovereignty of small-scale producers. It is especially close to home for our members, Larder Mouse Farm, Strathbogie pastured meats and Brooklands Free-range Farms, who operate successful paddock to plate operations in Victoria showcasing British White beef.
Following concerted advocacy by organisations such as Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance there has been a substantial win in Victoria, with the Victorian Government’s July 2025 reform removing the requirement for a planning permit for on-farm micro-abattoirs. The ASFA reports “this reform supports localised meat processing while maintaining rigorous environmental, food safety, and animal welfare standards, and we are endeavouring to ensure it contributes to further reform across all states and territories”.
ASFA has produced a two-part report which “first surveys the problem and advocates for state-based reforms, and then provides technical guidance on how to collectivise to build a micro-abattoir”. It includes:
- Step-by-step practical guidance on micro-abattoir construction, licensing, and site selection;
- Governance models for community or co-operative builds;
- Funding pathways (grants, debt, shared equity, and community-supported models);
- Risk management strategies and lessons learned from micro abattoir projects”
The power of industry working together to achieve positive outcomes!
