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Abstract
The Australian chicken meat industry is part of a worldwide marketing
phenomenon where chickens are 'crossing the road' in record numbers in
response to consumer demand and efficient 'farm to food' systems.
Processor vertical integration is at the heart of system efficiency, with farmer
growing services secured by exclusive contracts. However, vertically
integrated “tied” growers have limited ability to enter into true negotiations
with processors, prompting the search for a scheme that balances the need
to foster true negotiation against market freedom and compliance with
National Competition Policy.
This paper briefly compares the range of legislation regulating the chicken
meat industry in Australia and provides an in-depth discussion of the merits of
a South Australian Bill, the Chicken Meat Industry Bill, to replace the Poultry
Meat Industry Act.