The livestock industry is on the front foot, strengthening the LPA program to meet changing consumer expectations.
With recent changes to the Livestock Production Assurance program, there is speculation about what’s needed to meet new requirements. In some instances, people think the program is just more red tape.
It’s worth thinking about the changes from another perspective.
The program builds a body of evidence about the good work being done day–in–day–out to produce safe, high quality red meat on–farm. It is the hard evidence that says to our trade partners, government, consumers and others that we stand by what we sell.
Wouldn’t you prefer that industry leads our red meat integrity system rather than government or outsiders?
So let’s break down what the LPA changes mean to you.
Be familiar with the new biosecurity and animal welfare requirements and have a farm biosecurity plan in place. The details are in your information pack from MLAs Integrity Systems Company, who administers the program on behalf of industry.
When your accreditation is due, complete the assessment and pay the fee. You will be notified two months before you need to renew your accreditation with instructions.
When it comes to documenting a biosecurity plan, think of it as a risk assessment.
It’s about identifying and reducing the risk of introducing or spreading diseases, pests or weeds.
You don’t have to completely remove every risk. Focus on the things you can control that are important to your livestock enterprise.
There are templates you can use to document your biosecurity plan, or your existing record keeping may be enough. In fact, you probably meet most of the expectations already, so use this as an opportunity to review what you are doing and decide if there are areas you want to tweak.
Handy questions and answers about the LPA changes are on MLAs website at www.mla.com.au/lpachanges.