For the past few months, Sustainable Table and AFSA have teamed up to run a series of online roundtables on the national abattoir crisis. During these sessions, we noticed that a few common questions would pop up in each session. So, we’ve decided to pull together a list of FAQs to guide those looking for more information about building and running their own micro/mobile abattoir. 

What is the difference between micro and mobile abattoirs?

Both micro and mobile abattoirs offer reduced transport stress for animals and alternatives to large scale fixed abattoirs. 

Mobile abattoirs offer flexibility and are best suited in remote areas where establishing a fixed facility is not feasible, where mobile abattoirs can provide essential services. Their implementation requires careful navigation of regulatory frameworks to meet compliance standards across multiple sites they operate on and substantial investment. For more information watch the following webinar: (Provenir Webinar). 

Micro abattoirs are fixed facilities that reduce transportation costs, support local economies, and can operate efficiently with a steady throughput of livestock. They are a lower cost solution to establish and well suited to serving a cooperative of local farmers.

What are the regulatory challenges associated with mobile and micro abattoirs?

Mobile and micro abattoirs must comply with the same  regulatory standards including food safety, zoning, and environmental regulations. Mobile abattoirs operate across multiple sites requires consistency in meeting standards across sites.

How do micro and mobile abattoirs benefit animal welfare?

By processing animals closer to where they are raised, micro and mobile abattoirs minimise the stress associated with long-distance transport. This approach aligns with best practices in animal welfare, ensuring humane treatment throughout the animal’s life cycle. See Sustainable Table’s article, The Abattoir Crisis: What It Means for Small- and Medium-Scale Farmers and Ethical Meat Production.

What support is available for establishing micro abattoirs?

Organisations like the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA) advocate for policy reforms and provide resources to support the development of micro abattoirs. This includes the Meat Collective Starter Pack, which is a member-only resource providing guidance on planning, funding and operational best practice using documentation shared by the Meat Collective @ Jonai: 

• Micro-abattoir building design
• Abattoir Construction Budget & Project Plan
• Draft OpEx
• Planning approval process
• Food safety program
• Meat collective governance
• Avoiding debt & funding your micro abattoir
• EMP/Waste Management

To become an AFSA member, head here. 

Link previous AFSA/ST webinars here:

• Sustainable Table/AFSA Solidarity Session: Addressing the National Abattoir Issue 
• Sustainable Table/AFSA online roundtable: Farmer-led collective abattoir models 

What support is available for establishing mobile abattoirs?

For more information on mobile abattoir models, check out an earlier webinar recording hosted by Sustainable Table ‘On-Farm Meat Processing with Chris Balazs – The Provenir Model

What are some of the first things to consider when establishing a micro abattoir?

• Start small and simple where possible to reduce risk.
• Local ownership and governance are critical for success.
• Non-profit or low-profit models tend to suit collectives better than trying to operate commercially.
• Plan for infrastructure carefully: design, flow, and future expansion must be considered early.
• Advocate for regulatory reform to make approvals for micro-abattoirs faster and simpler.
• Community and collaboration across farmers is essential — both for advocacy and for financial sustainability.