Chatham Islands meat processing plant likely

By: Aroha Tahau | New Zealand News | Saturday September 29 2012 17:41

The Chatham Islands are likely to receive a meat processing plant to beat the extreme cost of exporting livestock to the mainland.

With current livestock numbers declining, a processing plant on the Chathams is thought to be the most feasible option for the islands' farmers.

CEO of Chatham Islands Trust, Brian Harris says at the moment farmers are paying $40 a head to send their lambs to the mainland and $300 a head for cattle.

"It would bring a bit more certainty and confidence into the agricultural sector for the island and by having an on-island processing plant...it's certainly going to create a much needed boost for farmers on the island."

Mr Harris says currently a study is underway to determine how feasible a meat processing plant would be and a decision to go ahead or not will be made in the next two weeks.

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