ABOVE: Chief executive officer Dr Mary Wu provides an overview of the year ahead for the Australian Chicken Meat Federation.
The Australian Chicken Meat Federation Inc is the peak coordinating body for participants in the chicken meat industry in Australia.
It represents all elements of the industry nationally and is recognised as the industry representative body by the Australian Government.
Exciting 2024 ahead
Many industry participants would know that 2023 was a year of immense change within the ACMF, with the retirement of Dr Vivien Kite, a veteran of the poultry industry for over 34 years.
In addition, the ACMF underwent a substantial constitutional change, upgraded its online presence through a website refresh with chicken.org.au, released its 2023-2027 strategic plan, developed and implemented its annual operating plan, established a Canberra office in addition to an office move to Sydney’s central business district from North Sydney, and recruited a number of new team members, including Verity Price as ACMF’s deputy chief executive officer.
Already 2024 is looking to be a busy year for ACMF, with a number of ‘big ticket’ activities planned.
The below list is not exhaustive but provides a snapshot of some of the key activities we expect to deliver this year.
Sustainability framework
The Australian chicken meat industry has an excellent set of sustainability credentials, and this will be showcased in the inaugural industry sustainability framework set to be released this year.
In a collaborative effort between AgriFutures and ACMF, much preparatory work and research has been done to underpin the framework.
The framework will be the first of its kind in the world in defining metrics and targets for the Australian chicken meat sector, to enable us to capture the sustainability improvements that over time have enabled chicken meat to become the most highly consumed protein in Australia, as well as providing a framework for ongoing sustainability innovation and improvement.
Workforce strategy
Did you know that the Australian chicken meat industry provides over 58,000 jobs across many and varied roles in both cities as well as regional areas?
Our people are at the heart of what we do and the industry is passionate about creating a solid pathway to attract, retain and train our people for the jobs of today, ensuring we are ready for the jobs of tomorrow.
This is why the ACMF has partnered with AgriFutures – to develop an industry workforce strategy that provides a roadmap for job creation, maintenance and skills and training, and to create supporting structures and partnerships with various stakeholders such as government.
We look forward to the release of the workforce strategy in 2024 and following through with short, medium and long-term actions to support the industry’s workforce needs.
ACMF deputy CEO Verity Price.
Animal welfare
The ACMF and industry more broadly will continue to be increasingly active in demonstrating the chicken industry’s commitment on key welfare issues to regulators and consumers of chicken meat alike.
With 2024 shaping up to be a pivotal year in the progression of the poultry welfare standards and guidelines through state and territory governments following ministerial endorsement in 2023, as well as upcoming standards reviews in third party animal welfare certification schemes.
Animal health
The continuation of highly pathogenic avian influenza in 2023 saw the wreaking of havoc across global chicken meat production systems, with profound numbers of birds lost, as well as incursions into other species.
Australia is fortunate to continue to be free of avian influenza, yet ongoing vigilance against the challenge of the growing global disease burden is paramount.
The ACMF is continuing to extensively engage with a wide range of stakeholders to pressure test the Australian systems for preparedness and surveillance, as well as reviewing Australia’s capacity and capability to mount a prompt and nimble response to a disease incursion.
Research, development and extension
ACMF continues to work collaboratively with AgriFutures and levy payers to identify industry priorities for research, development and extension investment and guide the conduct of projects through various working groups and steering committees.
There is an exciting pipeline of projects being progressed through various phases in 2024, from new projects being contracted through to those that are complete and entering the extension cycle.
These research projects will deliver substantial benefits and return on investment to the chicken meat sector.
ACMF looks forward to sharing and leveraging the outcomes of these AgriFutures projects for the broader benefit of the industry.
Conclusion
We commend the exemplary ongoing efforts made by our members and their supply chain partners in adapting to the challenges that the post-pandemic macro-economic environment has presented and continues to present, including the current cost of living crisis – while at the same time, keeping a focus on managing high standards of animal welfare and bird health, food safety and ensuring food security for Australians.
For those who are interested in how ACMF works and how you can be more actively involved with the industry, contact the ACMF staff, visit our website chicken.org.au or follow us on LinkedIn.