Jeremy Rockliff and Gavin Pearce urge Woolworths to reconsider Tasmanian beef decision

Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce have urged Woolworths to reconsider its decision to stop sourcing Tasmanian beef to sell on its supermarket shelves.

The supermarket giant will stop using beef from the state from next year.

In a letter to Woolworths Group CEO Amanda Bardwell, Mr Rockliff and Mr Pearce urged the company to continue sourcing beef from Tasmania.

“While we recognise that Woolworths must make commercial decisions in the interests of its business, we are deeply concerned about the implications of this decision for Tasmanian producers, regional communities and Tasmanian consumers,” the letter reads.

“Woolworths has indicated that the decision is driven by supply chain and cost considerations rather than any concern about the quality of Tasmanian beef or the performance of Tasmanian farmers. 

“Tasmania produces some of Australia's highest-quality beef, and our producers have worked hard over many years to build a reputation for excellence, sustainability and premium product standards.

“The farmers affected by this decision have invested significantly in meeting Woolworths' requirements and have benefited from the certainty that came with supplying one of Australia's leading retailers.”

The pair said Tasmanians expected to have the opportunity to purchase locally produced food where possible.

“We acknowledge the challenges Woolworths has identified in the current supply chain model and understand the pressures associated with processing, packaging and freight costs.

“At the same time, it must be acknowledged that these current pressures are an outcome of Woolworths’ 2023 decision to remove butchering from all Tasmanian Woolworths stores, to centralise processing and packaging.”

Mr Rockliff and Mr Pearce said they believed there was value in exploring alternatives before any withdrawal from Tasmanian sourcing occurs.

“This could include examination of alternative sourcing arrangements, dedicated Tasmanian product lines, revised contracting models or transitional measures that preserve market access for local producers while addressing the commercial challenges identified by Woolworths. 

“The Tasmanian Government stands ready to participate in constructive discussions with Woolworths and industry stakeholders to explore practical solutions. 

“We believe there is a compelling case for preserving a place for Tasmanian beef within Woolworths stores.

“Doing so would support local farming families, strengthen regional communities, maintain consumer choice and reinforce Woolworths' longstanding commitment to Australian agriculture.”

Currently, Woolworths sources around 80 head of cattle per week from Tasmania, which represents less than one per cent of its nationwide total.

“Our Tasmanian beef is supplied by a small group of local farming partners, and we're very mindful of the impact of any changes on them,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.

“We are working directly with those affected to support them through this transition period into 2027.

“Tasmania remains a key source of fresh produce for Woolworths, and we continue to buy from local suppliers across a range of fresh produce categories.”

Tasmanian beef sourced by Woolworths is processed at JBS Longford, sent to the mainland for packaging, and then returned to the state to be sold in the supermarket’s Tasmanian stores.