Due to the incredible reach of Tim Thompson’s Farm Learning youtube episode last week, in which we shared our long journey to build a micro-abattoir at Jonai Farms, we have decided to open our agroecology-oriented farm up for a day to the growing number of farmers, butchers, meat workers, chefs and others impacted by the loss of access to abattoirs who are keen for a closer look and a deeper yarn.

 We will share what we have learned in the eight years since we commenced investigating our options, from planning and food safety to construction, water and energy demands. We will also share our views on robust and democratic governance, a socially-just working environment, and how to build a micro-abattoir without taking on debt. We look forward to the wealth of other knowledge you will all bring with you, and the opportunity for some transformational farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing.  

You can read the background to our project on our website.

 Schedule

 9:30 am                       Welcome & introductions

                                      Overview of Jonai Farms & Meatsmiths

 10:15 am                     Tour of farm

 11:15 am                     Abattoir site visit & technical talk (planning, construction, energy, waste, food safety)

 1:00 pm                       Lunch

 2:15 pm                       Business talk (Funding, governance, staffing, meat inspection)

 3:15 pm                       Replicability & Q & A

 4:00 pm          fin