Small Animal Producers in CQ Invited to Supply Chain Forum

People who are interested in or who are producing small animals, including small boutique cattle herds, are invited to attend the Meating the Market forum, held on Saturday 6th May at CQLX.

The free forum aims to bring the region’s landholders and producers who are interested in the possibility of establishing a sustainable and ethical supply chain of local products and/or the feasibility of a multi-species processing facility in our region.

Attendees will be able to hear from experts and leaders in the industries, meet other producers, share ideas and experiences, participate in exploring opportunities, and establishing strategies to grow the economy of this underdeveloped part of Central Queensland.

The forum, along with the Small Animal Producer Survey will be used to inform the consideration of conducting a pre-feasibility study for the attraction of a multi-species processing facility to be established in region.

Meating the Market is supported by the Australian Government, Queensland Government, Livingstone Shire Council, Rockhampton Regional Council through Advance Rockhampton, and Queensland Goat Producers Inc. The project received grant funding from the Australian Government.

Livingstone Shire Council Mayor Andy Ireland said the Capricorn Coast is home to a bustling small animal industry.

“On the Capricorn Coast, we have a number of small animal producers who potentially could be looking at taking their business to the next level of becoming meat processors or suppliers to small meat abattoirs,” Mayor Ireland said.

“Collaboration between producers may allow opportunity for processors, butchers, retailers, restaurateurs, food vendors and agritourism businesses to diversify and grow Central Queensland’s agricultural profile and economy. We owe it to the Central Queensland to explore the need if it exists.

“I’d like to thank the Australian Government, the Queensland Government, Advance Rockhampton and Queensland Goat Producers for taking part in this partnership and for supporting this important initiative.”

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tony Williams said Council’s Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan highlighted the importance of the agriculture industry to the region’s economy.

“Agriculture has been a big contributor to our region and a sector where we see real growth opportunities going forward.

“We want to see more investment and jobs across the agriculture sector and we are proud to support events like this that bring together landowners and producers to discuss small animal supply chains, their benefits, challenges and opportunities.”

Glenda Henry, President of Queensland Goats Producers, said she is excited to be involved in this project.

“We hope to develop our CQ supply chain for our quality chevon (goat meat). This forum is a great opportunity to network with other producers,” Mrs Henry said.

“The distance to processors is a challenge for producers and the animals, many small producers are unable to access the market due to the costs and availability of freight for small numbers of animals.”

Book tickets to the Meating the Market forum via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/meating-the-market-forum-tickets-608187714827

Producers can help inform all partners how to better explore and understand opportunity to grow this rural sector in Central Queensland by filling out the Small Animal Producer by going to:
https://getinvolved.livingstone.qld.gov.au/small-producer-survey