UPDATE: The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has just released its interim findings regarding the urgent review of Australia’s chicken meat industry. This critical assessment, made public on 25 September 2025, aims to gather immediate feedback from stakeholders before finalizing recommendations to the Australian Government.
The review, which involved extensive consultations with both large and small producers across the nation from April to August 2025, reveals a stark divide in perceptions between integrated producers and growers about industry relationships. Key findings indicate that several factors are currently hindering efficient market operation, which could lead to significant market failures.
ABARES has identified multiple potential responses to these pressing issues, including maintaining the status quo, examining unfair contract terms, and considering both voluntary and mandatory codes of conduct for the industry.
This interim report reflects the government’s initiative to conduct a thorough investigation into the dynamics between chicken growers and integrated producers in the Australian chicken meat supply chain. As part of this process, ABARES has been tasked with determining if market failures are indeed present and, if so, evaluating the costs and benefits of various regulatory and non-regulatory actions.
Stakeholders in the industry are urged to provide feedback on the interim findings and the potential options outlined by 5:00 PM on Friday, 24 October 2025. Interested parties can submit their responses through the guided portal at haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/chicken-meat-industry-review or by emailing the review team directly at [email protected].
As Australia’s chicken meat industry faces significant challenges, the outcomes of this review could reshape its future. Producers, growers, and consumers alike should stay tuned as ABARES prepares to deliver a final report based on the feedback received, which will inform any necessary policy responses moving forward.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available. The urgency of this review underscores the importance of addressing industry concerns that impact both economic stability and food supply chains across the nation.
