The laws for micro-abattoirs on or near the farm

More Australian farmers should consider the opportunities to create and add value through processing of their primary product beyond the harvest and sale of the raw commodity. In the context of cattle or sheep, there are opportunities for development of a localised facility to facilitate the slaughter and processing of meat on or near the farm and to shorten the supply chain. This article considers the regulations and laws that may apply throughout Australia to impact on the concept of a micro-abattoir or meat processing facilities. We review relevant laws and guidelines, and parts of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to be considered.