Feasibility study for developing an Indigenous branded range of beef products and services (Producer Innovation Fast-track)

Abstract

Western Kangoulu Indigenous Group, University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) through the MLA Donor Company (MDC) are examining the desirability, feasibility and commercial viability of Indigenous branded beef products and services. The research included assessing the opportunities for new beef products branded as ‘Blackfella Beef’ and the alignment with Indigenous culture, business development and employment across the whole value chain. This research was funded by the producer innovation fast track program. An integral component of the ‘Blackfella Beef’ vision is to provide support and employment opportunities to the Indigenous communities involved with the ‘Blackfella Beef’ enterprise. This support will come in terms of skills development, employment, infrastructure and improvements to the genetics of Indigenous beef herds. The ‘Blackfella Beef’ project is working with existing organisations and programmes to leverage project resources, to utilise existing services where appropriate and useful and to develop new and innovative approaches where necessary and possible. The project have identified processing 2000 cattle per annum will deliver an initial $4M sales opportunity for ‘Blackfella Beef’