October 23, 2020

Provenir's mobile abattoir bags award for outstanding innovation

Provenir's licensed mobile abattoir won a Harvey Norman Produce Award Trophy for Outstanding Innovation, Sustainability and Community.

The trophy is awarded to an individual, business, group or community in the food or agriculture industry for demonstrating outstanding innovation in food production by using sustainable methods.

Provenir's win came less than two years after the ag-tech company was granted licence to operate its mobile on-farm abattoir. The commercially licensed mobile abattoir processes livestock at the point of production, eliminating the stress associated with live animal transport.

Award judge Neil Perry said livestock processed on the farm is the best way to go.

"It puts the farmer in control of the stress of the animal, which in turn creates amazing meat. Provenir has created a sustainable model that is great for animal, environment and, most importantly, taste," Perry said.

Chris Balazs, CEO and co-founder of Provenir, said the award encompassed the company's vision to disrupt the red meat industry with its on-farm processing, benefit the environment and support regenerative farming practices.

"15 years ago, I put my first consignment of cattle on the back of a truck destined for the abattoir hundreds of kilometres away. Having cared for these cattle every day for over two years, I was filled with a sinking feeling not knowing how they would fare in transport, how they would be treated when they arrived, and where the meat would end up," Balazs said.

"I also knew the people who ate my beef would never know my story, of how I farmed and cared for my cattle. That was the moment I knew that we needed to innovate the red meat industry through mobile, on-farm processing," Balazs added.

 - Food Processing