Victria’s peak farm lobby today welcomed the State Government’s $80,000 investment in the chicken meat industry’s “Chicken Care” program.
VFF’s Chicken Care Program, has a track record in assisting growers improve environmental and amenity outcomes on farms, and respond to concerns over new and existing developments.
To be announced at the Victorian Farmers Federation annual chicken meat conference today at the MCG, Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said: “We are aware of the challenges facing the chicken meat industry, and of the significant economic contribution it makes to growing rural and regional jobs… and “That’s why we’re providing $80,000 to support the VFF’s Chicken Care Program to assist our growers improve environmental and amenity outcomes on farms.”
The funding comes off the back of lobbying efforts from the Victorian Farmers Federation to ensure the chicken meat industry growth strategy is achieved.
The Victorian Chicken Meat Farmers Federation and Victorian Chicken Meat Council (VCMC) have been calling on the State Government to work with industry to regain lost market share, creating regional economic growth and jobs.
“Australian’s now eat more chicken meat than their combined consumption of beef and lamb. In fact annual growth of this $5.6 billion chicken meat sector is trending at 5 per cent,” VFF Chicken Meat president Allan Bullen said.
“Yet Victoria’s share of this booming meat industry has slumped from 28 per cent to 23 per cent in the past eight years. Compare that to South Australia, whose chicken meat industry has grown from 8 to 13 per cent of the national market over the same period.
The successful Chicken Care Program was developed 15 years ago in response to community concerns over environmental impact and has since trained 126 growers in best practice environmental management.
“This funding is welcome and will go a long way to giving growers the support and confidence to invest in both the sustainability and growth of their farm businesses,” Mr Bullen said.
Media Contacts
Allan Bullen, VFF Chicken Meat Manager, 0488 215 223
Tom Whitty, VFF Media Manager, 0417 165 784