V.MFS.0017 - Gender Diversity & Inclusivity within the Australian Red Meat Industry

Summary

A key consideration facing the Australian red meat industry is a lack of comprehensive industry-wide evidential reports to assess gender diversity across the red meat value chain, limiting understanding of workforce participation, representation, barriers and opportunities. This project aimed to consolidate current evidence, benchmark the industry against comparable sectors and identify opportunities for future investment aligned with MLA’s Strategic Plan objectives.

Objectives

This project aimed to consolidate current evidence on gender participation, engagement and inclusivity across the Australian red meat industry, with a particular focus on on-farm production. The review benchmarks the sector against comparable Australian industries, identifies gaps in workforce data and capability and provides investment recommendations to advance MLA’s Strategic Plan goals. The work establishes the case for a coordinated, industry-wide response under MLA's Investing in our People focus area.

Key findings

A central finding of the project is that the Australian Red Meat industry currently lacks a coordinated mechanism to measure progress on gender diversity over time. Establishing a consistent industry-wide evidence base, including agreed metrics and monitoring processes, would provide the foundation for identifying priority issues, evaluating progress and targeting future investments more effectively.

Benefits to industry

Closing the evidence, coordination and implementation gaps identified in this project has the potential to deliver significant industry benefits. Greater gender diversity can expand the available talent pool, reduce workforce shortages, strengthen leadership pipelines, lower the costs associated with employee turnover and enhance the industry's reputation with consumers, communities and supply-chain partners. Ultimately, improving gender inclusion is not only an equity issue but also a strategic workforce and productivity imperative that supports the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the Australian red meat industry.

MLA action

Investment opportunities include:

• Implement extension programs for farm managers teaching practical unbiased recruitment and management practices
• Coordinate targeted talent attraction campaigns with clear pathways from education to middle management to executive positions, supported by social media marketing
• Develop industry-wide marketing campaigns supporting women's self-identification as farmers and positive supply chain perceptions
• Develop campaigns that showcase how organisations have adapted and perceived returns to investments

Future research

Investment in gender diversity delivers returns that extend beyond participation statistic, such as a larger and more accessible talent pool that addresses labour shortages. Additionally, given that the industry has higher median age than other industries, stronger female representation in leadership and governance improves succession depth.