27/01/2021
A feedlot and an abattoir in Vietnam have become the first facilities to have an audit carried out under the Livestock Global Assurance Program (LGAP). This follows the regulator allowing LGAP audits to be recognised as part of an exporter’s compliance with the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS).
Meanwhile, the Livestock Export Program (LEP) has employed a dedicated resource in Vietnam to support the roll-out, by visiting facilities to build awareness of LGAP. A local with several years of experience working within ESCAS, she understands the market and already knows many of the supply chain participants.
The role is designed to deliver on-the-ground support, providing information and advice to help facilities understand the requirements of LGAP and prepare for an audit. A range of resources, including locally translated templates and guidance materials, are available online to support the roll-out.
Exporters and supply chain participants are encouraged to contact AniMark for more details about the LGAP Now! program, which covers the cost of initial membership fees and at least one audit before 30 June 2021.
Back in Australia, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has completed a public comment phase in the development of the Exposure Draft Export Control (Animals) Rules 2020, which support the Export Control Act 2020 and allow for AniMark to apply to become a Third Party Provider of Assurance Services (TPPAS). The Act is due to come into effect on 28 March 2021.
The department/industry working group has made good progress on developing an implementation framework for LGAP, which has set the basis for a series of recent high-level discussions between the department and senior industry representatives. The framework and meeting outcomes will help to inform the roll-out of LGAP and how it fits with ESCAS.
More details about LGAP are available on the AniMark website, along with information resources and training materials.