Federated Farmers has welcomed the prosecution of an unlicensed Northland butcher who sold meat that wasn't up to par.

The meat hadn't been processed in accordance with the Animal Products Act.

Federated Farmers rural butchers chairman Haydn Cleland says it's good to see that New Zealand's food safety systems are working.

He says they strongly support actions to stamp out illegal home-killed meat, to protect biosecurity, market reputation and the health of consumers.

Haydn Cleland says the conviction sends a strong signal to others that illegal food operators will be caught and punished.