Celebrity chef Neil Perry launches online petition to save Victorian beef farm

Celebrity chef Neil Perry has launched an online petition to get the Victorian Government to intervene after an award-winning beef farmer is refused a permit to let his cattle live on the grass after complaints from neighbours.

PHOTO: Cattle grazing on Wagyu beef producer David Blackmore's property (ABC: Kerry Staight)

Four years ago he took his 1,350 animals out of the feedlot so they could live on the grass on the 150-hectare property until they were slaughtered.

PHOTO: Chef Neil Perry has started a petition to keep beef cattle farmer David Blackmore on his property.

 "The cattle get up and eat, drink and chew their cud all day, whereas in a feed lot they can't do that," Mr Blackmore said.

"They're happier here."

Now Blackmore beef is exported to more than 20 countries and served in some of Australia's best-known restaurants.

"Dave Blackmore is the best wagyu producer in Australia there's no doubt about that, having tasted wagyu around the world," Mr Perry said.

"I think outside of Japan it is definitely the best product there is."

Despite the celebrity endorsement and against the advice of its own officers, the Murrindindi Council has refused to grant Mr Blackburn an intensive farming permit.

The council has received complaints from neighbours about bad odours and noise.

PHOTO: David Blackmore took his 1,350 cattle out of the feedlot four years ago but has been denied an intensive farming permit.

Mr Blackmore is considering selling his property and has about two months to decide whether or not to appeal the decision to the state's planning tribunal.

Mr Perry is outraged by the decision.

"It's just crazy that a world-standard best practice, world-class farm isn't allowed to happen three hours outside of Melbourne," he said.

His petition is urging Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford, Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to "support and not hinder" best practice Australian farmers by giving back Mr Blackmore's "right to farm".

Source: ABC News, July 28^th 2015
Originally published as: Celebrity chef Neil Perry launches online petition to save Victorian beef farm