Chris Balazs

Co-Founder & CEO at Provenir

Chris Balazs has a diverse work experience spanning over a decade. Chris co-founded Provenir (previously known as FarmGate MSU) in 2017, where they served as the CEO. Chris was instrumental in bringing the first mobile processing unit to the Australian market, focusing on providing high-quality meat with a welfare premium.

Prior to Provenir, Chris worked as the Managing Director at SageFarm starting in 2011. SageFarm aimed to redefine small-scale farming by integrating regenerative practices and producing beef, lamb, pork, free-range eggs, and organic market garden products sustainably.

Between 2016 and 2017, Chris worked as an Industry Consultant at La Finca Consulting. Chris also served as a Senior Consultant at MarkTwo Consulting from 2015 to 2016.

Chris began their career at CSL Behring in 2007, where they held various roles. Chris started as a Senior Manager in Quality Control, overseeing operational laboratories and a technical improvement laboratory. Later, they became the Senior Manager of Validation, responsible for multiple manufacturing processes and regulatory compliance across two manufacturing sites. Chris also served as the Global Lead for Quality Programs, leading the quality and regulatory aspects of a technology transfer project and managing a team of over 20 professionals.

Chris Balazs has an extensive education history. Chris completed their VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) at Ivanhoe Grammar School from 1984 to 1989, with a focus on Science. Chris then went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Melbourne from 1990 to 1992, majoring in Chemistry. Following this, Chris attended James Cook University from 1994 to 1995, where they obtained a Post Graduate Diploma of Science in Marine Biology (Aquaculture). In 2001, they pursued further education at the Australian Institute of Management, completing a Post Graduate Diploma of Project Management. Finally, Chris pursued a Masters of Business Administration degree in Corporate Management at Deakin University from 2006 to 2011.

Location

Melbourne, Australia

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Provenir

Provenir is a vertically integrated meat processing company offering exceptional quality meat through highest welfare on-farm processing. At the heart of Provenir's operation is our unique, mobile on-farm processing, never before available in Australia. Provenir directly addresses the needs of todays conscientious consumer, who demands true provenance, traceability and assurance that their food meets their personal commitment to animal welfare. We ensure true provenance utilising the latest in digital traceability technology, while also nurturing a connection between farmers, chefs and consumers. Provenir partners with select farmers who produce top quality livestock and meet stringent high-welfare management requirements; we purchase and process livestock on the farm in a familiar and stress free environment. The meat is then processed in our artisan butchery utilising a combination of traditional butchery and advanced techniques of chilling and hanging – that are focused on maximizing quality. Our commitment to best practice on the farm and in our butchery respects the life of the animal and values the quality of the meat throughout the whole process. Provenir will soon launch a new class of beef and lamb, offering a level in quality and welfare never before available in the Australian marketplace. Good for farmers, livestock and consumers. Provenir Promise ★ Highest animal welfare ★ Processed on-farm ★ Full traceability & true provenance ★ Grass fed & free-range ★ Highest quality meat ★ No hormones, antibiotic or feedlots ever Provenir Company Values • innovate the meat industry for the better; • improve animal welfare; • advance sustainable farming practices; • create opportunities for people; and • integrity through transparency, accountability and provenance.