Commissioned by the AgriFutures Chicken Meat Program, the report confirms that employment in the chicken meat industry continues to rise.
Since the last economic modelling, the industry’s value has surged by an estimated 21 per cent while employment has climbed 34 per cent, or around six per cent each year.
It also highlights the industry’s steady growth despite challenges such as drought, COVID-19 and rising input costs.
The new data confirms that Australia’s chicken meat industry is vital to both local and national economies, continuing to deliver value, jobs and innovation, and underpinning food security and the long-term sustainability of regional communities.
The industry generated significant economic activity in regional areas such as the Riverina, NSW, where the sector contributed $161 million in direct economic contribution and boosted employment across the region.
Other key regional centres, including Bendigo and Logan-Beaudesert, Queensland, similarly benefited from robust local supply chains and employment opportunities.
South Australia, including the Port Wakefield region, generated a significant economic contribution with $240 million in value added as well as supporting over 1800 full-time jobs.
AgriFutures Australia levied and emerging industries general manager Samantha Beresford said the findings provided valuable insights for policymakers, industry and regional stakeholders.
“Access to credible, relevant data helps industry and government work together to plan for the future — from infrastructure and workforce development to sustainability and innovation,” Ms Beresford said.
“This report is a clear example of how strong data supports smart decisions. It reinforces AgriFutures’ focus on investing in people, learning and innovation to build a sustainable, high-performing agricultural future.
“As well as the chicken meat industry being a major contributor to the Australian economy, it stands alone as AgriFutures’ largest levied industry and research like this showcases the strength of partnerships and collective investment that will benefit levy payers, consumers and regional communities alike.”
