Today’s meeting with pork producers and the TFGA has been a very worthwhile and significant first step towards resolving this issue.
I am pleased the pork industry has come together so constructively with one voice to work with Government on finding a viable longer term processing model.
I thank and acknowledge the support already expressed in the Tasmanian community for local producers, maintaining a local processing sector and Tasmanian meat generally.
Today we have identified some potential options for ongoing processing at Devonport and we will now be working with JBS and all interested parties to fully explore both short and long-term solutions.
It has also given everyone a better understanding of the supply and demand issues affecting the pork industry.
I stress it is early days and we won’t be speculating on specific proposals – rather we are working with the producers, JBS and others in the supply chain to fully explore both short and long-term solutions.
We have also offered the support of the Government’s Skills Response Unit to JBS as required.
With the meat industry accounting for about 20% of our total agricultural production, the Hodgman Liberal Government is confident in its future, committing $1 million in the State Budget to increase trade, marketing, value and sales of Tasmanian meat.
Any businesses affected by the JBS announcement should call the Business Tasmania hotline on phone 1800 440 026 – which is our central contact register - if they have any concerns or are seeking further information.
