This has become and important issue for livestock producers - both to protect our own farms and also to protect the reputation of our product to consumers both domestic and overseas.
We have an extremely good reputation for producing a quality product that is grown sustainably with good animal welfare standards. Our Food Safety and Integrity Systems are second to none, and this instills confidence for the consumer that the meat is safe and hygienic.
Livestock Production Assurance Program
The Australian red meat industry is underpinned by an integrity system that ensures we deliver a product that meets customer expectations. It allows producers to ‘stand by what they sell’.
The key elements of this system are:
- LPA – guides on-farm practices for producing safe, biosecure and ethically produced red meat
- NLIS – allows livestock to be identified and traced
- NVD – a legal document which declares an animal’s food safety status and movements.
To learn more about the integrity system, watch this YouTube video :
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5yNYBMS73I
In June 2017, the Integrity System was enhanced and strengthened through significant upgrades to the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program.
These upgrades include:
- On-farm biosecurity and animal welfare practices to be included in the LPA program
- LPA accredited producers will need to complete a regular assessment
- As part of a new secure funding model, producers will pay $60 (+GST) for LPA accreditation every three years. However, electronic National Vendor Declarations (eNVD) will now be free.
- New online learning modules to upskill producers (LPA Learning)
The changes will ensure Australia maintains its enviable status as a world leader in red meat safety, integrity and traceability. While I appreciate that no one likes filling out forms, this program is very important for Australia’s meat safety and integrity systems which help us maintain and grow our access to markets domestically and across the globe.