Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), Media Release, 25 September 2025
Today ABARES released its interim findings into the review of Australia’s chicken meat industry. The purpose of this report is to seek feedback before ABARES finalises its recommendations to the Australian Government.
The review’s interim report follows extensive consultation undertaken with the chicken meat industry between April – August 2025. Consultation has included integrated producers and growers, both large and small, across the country.
The review found very different perspectives between integrated producers and growers about the health of relationships and conduct within the industry.
The report’s interim finding is there are several issues that are impeding efficient market operation in the chicken meat industry, leading to market failure.
The interim report explores several options available in response to issues within the industry: maintaining the status quo, further consideration of unfair contract terms, industry self-regulation, a prescribed voluntary code of conduct or a mandatory code of conduct.
ABARES is seeking industry feedback on its interim findings, and the benefits and costs of the potential options available.
After reviewing stakeholder feedback, ABARES will deliver a final report to the Australian Government. This report will inform any potential policy response.
The interim report follows ABARES being commissioned by the government earlier in the year to conduct an independent review into the relationship between chicken growers and integrated producers in the Australian chicken meat supply chain.
The terms of reference require ABARES to examine if there is evidence of market failure within the industry, and if so, costs and benefits of regulatory and non-regulatory actions where applicable.
Feedback is invited through to 5pm Friday 24 October 2025.
To make a submission you can follow the guided portal at https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/chicken-meat-industry-review or email the review team directly at ChickenMeatIndustryInvestigation@aff.gov.au.
