It has been 20 years since the industry's Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was released, defining organisational arrangement and roles of peak bodies, however recently stakeholders have flagged an appetite for change.

Since that MoU was established the industry has been transformed by many changes including the consolidation of the processing sector, growth of lot feeding, rising regulations and supermarket powers, environmental and welfare challenges, and changes to consumer attitudes and competition.

Taskforce chair Jim Varghese said the industry is wedged between those who wish to strengthen existing arrangements, and those wanting to create an entirely new structure of governance.

The four options on the table are a contemporary redraft of the existing MoU, a 'law of the jungle' approach which would largely allow market forces to shape the industry, a hybrid model that would see a similar MoU drafted where service providers and peak bodies are merged, and the fourth is the creation of a new organisation named Food Protein Australia to oversee the entire industry.

“There is a common view among peak industry councils, service providers and red meat businesses that the industry needs an enhanced narrative to better engage with government, community and international markets,” the report states.

“There are many challenges and opportunities faced by industry now, that were not apparent in 1998 when the MoU was put in place - hence, more fundamental change may be needed to meet not only current challenges and opportunities but also those of the future.”

Tamworth butcher Brian Penrose agreed that the industry has too many peak bodies and organisations, and would be happy to see some changes made to the supply chain structure.

"Some of the organisations, like the MLA, do a great job, but it is a bit messy," he said.

"I think the industry needs at least two bodies - producers don't understand the butchers side of things, they are two different ball games." 

RMAC chair Don Mackay also backed the call for bold and ambitious reform.

Stakeholders now have one month to read the 65 page document and submit feedback.