Tasmanian red meat strategy sets road map for industry growth

Tasmania’s peak body for primary producers, TasFarmers, is today launching the Tasmanian Red Meat Industry Strategic Plan 2025 - 2030, providing a clear road map to drive the long-term growth and sustainability of the sector.

The strategy has been developed through extensive consultation across the entire supply chain, ensuring it reflects the needs and goals of producers, processors, and industry stakeholders Supported by the Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, the release of the strategy marks a major milestone for Tasmania’s red meat sector.

TasFarmers Chief Executive Officer Nathan Calman said the strategy consolidated the broader views of the industry into a single, united vision.

“This is a strategy the entire supply chain can own, it identifies clear priorities that we can work towards together to deliver real outcomes for the red meat sector,” Mr Calman said.

Mr Calman said the broader stakeholder feedback TasFarmers received identified five strategic pillars:

On-farm productivity: Supporting farm management and production improvements.

Future processing needs: Ensuring processing capacity evolves alongside farm productivity gains.

Animal health and welfare: Strengthening the industry's reputation through high standards of care.

Climate adaptation: Preparing producers to respond to, and thrive under, a changing climate.

Branding and marketing: Leveraging Tasmania’s premium reputation to secure and grow markets.

”For farmers, it outlines a clear path forward. It shows what can be achieved through collaboration, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on our shared goals.”

The strategy directly supports Tasmania’s Agrivision 2050 target of growing farmgate value to $10 billion, and has been welcomed by the Minister Jane Howlett.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said the Tasmanian Government is committed to the Red Meat industry by supporting the delivery of the 2025 Red Meat Industry Strategic Plan.

"The farmgate value of the meat sector in Tasmania is significant and this plan outlines the growth that can be achieved with a clear strategy,” Minister Howlett said.

"This plan will help to enhance industry productivity, profitability, sustainability and animal welfare and the Tasmanian Government is proud to have supported its development with $60,000 from the Strategic Industry Partnership Program (SIPP)."

“Supercharging our SIPP program with additional funding was an important election commitment which we are delivering through projects like this.”

Mr Calman said the focus must now shift to delivering on the identified priorities through strong industry and government partnerships.

“The priorities have been set and the work begins to make sure the rubber hits the road,” Mr Calman said.

The Tasmanian Red Meat Strategy is available online at https://tasfarmers.com.au/projects/red-meat-ido

Event Details:

What: Launch of the Tasmanian Red Meat Industry Strategic Plan 2025 – 2030

When: 2 May 2025, 10:00 am

Where: AgFest 2025, Carrick, Site 704

Who: Hosted by TasFarmers, with remarks from Minister Jane Howlett

About the Tasmanian Red Meat Industry Strategic Plan 2025 – 2030:

The Plan is an industry-led, government-supported roadmap to guide Tasmania’s red meat sector over the next five years. It is designed to ensure the industry remains profitable, sustainable, and globally competitive, while supporting Tasmania’s broader agricultural growth targets.

The Strategic Plan’s development was supported by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania through the Strategic Industry Partnership Program, reflecting the Tasmanian Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting rural and regional communities.