Following years of reports and inquiries, the Australian Chicken Growers’ Council (ACGC) stands ready for the next steps in its call for a Poultry Sector Code of Conduct.
“Australia’s chicken growers have been holding their breath for the release of ABARES\’ Chicken Meat Industry Review 2025 Interim Report,” said David Inall, CEO of the Australian Chicken Growers’ Council (ACGC).
“This is a thorough and enlightening report that shines a bright light on the challenges that chicken growers have faced for a very long time.
In summary, the ABARES Report has delivered the following Interim Findings:
- Market failure exists within the chicken meat industry caused by unequal access to information and imperfect competition.
- Industry issues are largely systemic and are being experienced by a large proportion of contracted growers.
- Without change, unnecessary adjustment in the chicken meat industry has the capacity to affect supply and consumer prices.
“Furthermore, ABARES identified that a prescribed Code of Conduct is one option to be considered to address market failure. Overall, this Interim Report is powerful and insightful with findings that closely align with concerns that ACGC has raised and advocated for over many years,” Mr Inall added.
“ACGC is strongly of the view that a legislated, mandatory Poultry Sector Code of Conduct will help rebalance bargaining power, enforce transparent pricing and fair contracts, and safeguard Australia’s vital chicken-meat supply.
“The chicken meat industry is well-recognised for its sustainability credentials. We have a strong story to tell, but growers deserve more support if they are to continue supplying Australians with affordable and sustainable nutrition.
“Following the completion of the Final Report, we remain committed to advocating for Canberra’s support of a mandatory Code of Conduct —as Government has done for the dairy industry, the food and grocery sector, the sugar industry, the wheat port, horticulture, and the franchising industry, just to name a few,” Mr Inall concluded.
