Have your say about the Australian chicken meat industry review

In March 2025, ABARES was commissioned to conduct an independent review into the relationship between growers and integrated producers in the Australian chicken meat supply chain. It has now released its interim findings of this review, and is seeking feedback before it finalises its recommendations to the Australian Government.

The Australian poultry industry is estimated to be worth $4.2 billion in 2024‍–‍25, having grown at an average annual rate of 3.6% in real terms over the past 20 years.

Australia’s chicken meat industry is vertically integrated; integrated producers own most aspects of production while growers are contracted to grow out chickens.

The review’s interim report follows extensive consultation undertaken with the chicken meat industry between April and 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 interim findings indicate that there are several issues that are impeding efficient market operation in the chicken meat industry, leading to market failure. 

Several options have been raised in response to issues found within the industry in this interim report. These include: maintaining the status quo; further consideration of unfair contract terms; industry self-regulation; and a prescribed voluntary code of conduct or a mandatory code of conduct.

To have your say about the Australian Chicken Meat Industry Review Interim report, submit your feedback here or email ChickenMeatIndustryInvestigation@aff.gov.au before 5 pm Friday, 24 October 2025.

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