Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud has called out the Aussie Farms Map launched last week as an anonymous farm shaming website with no real outcomes for animal welfare.
“This website is irresponsible at best,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Putting the locations of farms online could be creating an attack map for activists. This will potentially result in illegal behaviour by activists. Farms are people’s homes, not just their businesses. Some farmers have already complained the website claims they run businesses which they do not. Further, we don’t know if the footage posted on this website is actually from the farm it is attributed to,” said Minister Littleproud.
Rodger Shannon a local farmer from Manildra last week hosted two news crews and completed one radio interview in response to Aussie Farm’s updated website detailing his contact details and location.
“We are open and transparent about our farming practices and we are proud of our animal welfare standards. We have the lowest stocking density of laying hens on a commercial scale in Australia,” said Mr Shannon.
“Our farm is our main source of income. It’s our business, a workplace for the local people we employ, where we live and where we raise our family. The information provided on the website is not only a breach of our privacy but also presents a bio security risk to our animals and the potential to wipe out our flock, our income and our livelihood if used incorrectly,” continued Mr Shannon.
The website, run by charity Aussie Farms, lacks official checks and balances and has a clear agenda.
“Australian producers are some of the cleanest and greenest in the world, are proud of the work they do and are a key pillar of the Australian economy. They deserve to be thanked, not have their addresses published and possible be harassed in their own homes,” said Minister Littleproud.