Member and Industry News Biosecurity boost through strengthened LPA program Australia’s world leading red meat integrity system has been enhanced through significant upgrades to the LPA program, including the introduction of biosecurity requirements. The voluntary on-farm assurance program is designed to ensure the Australian red meat and livestock industry maintains its global reputation – and market access – as a leader in food safety, integrity and traceability. The upgrades, which were launched on 1 October 2017, also included the introduction of animal welfare requirements, an online assessment to ensure producers understand their responsibilities, and an accreditation fee of $60 (plus GST) payable every three years. New online learning modules support producer understanding of program requirements. To meet the new biosecurity requirements, LPA-accredited producers are required to have in 34 THE LINK AUT/WIN 18 place a farm biosecurity plan and implement effective biosecurity practices on-farm. Where reasonable and practical, they must keep records of livestock movements, as well as vehicle and visitor movements. Biosecurity practices are auditable and form a part of the accreditation assessment process. Don Mackay, Red Meat Advisory Council Chair said biosecurity is a key competitive advantage for Australian red meat producers. “Most livestock producers understand the benefits of robust on-farm biosecurity practices to their individual businesses, and also to the future productivity and sustainability of the industry both domestically and globally,” Mr Mackay said. “The integration of biosecurity requirements into the LPA program highlights the significance of completing a thorough farm biosecurity plan.” The ISC, a wholly owned subsidiary of MLA, delivers the program on behalf of the red meat industry. Its CEO, Dr Jane Weatherley, said producers had Integrity Systems Company A wholly owned subsidiary of Meat & Livestock Australia been proactive in understanding and embracing the changes to the LPA program. “The changes enhance the integrity of Australia’s $23 billion red meat industry and ensure our reputation and market access is protected, strengthening our promise to consumers and keeping us one step ahead of our competitors,” said Dr Weatherley. More than 18,000 producers have renewed their LPA accreditation since the requirements came into effect. “It’s encouraging to know that producers have taken the time to understand their responsibilities, do the online learning modules and complete the accreditation process.” More than 5,500 producers have also attended workshops across Australia to learn about the changes to LPA, and in particular the introduction of biosecurity requirements for cattle, sheep and goats. “Attending the workshops gave producers the opportunity to
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