Summary

Australian livestock exporters are expected to know the whereabouts of the cattle, sheep and goats they have sent overseas, from when they step off the ship or plane until they have reached the point of slaughter in an abattoir. This is known as control and traceability (C&T).

The Livestock Global Assurance Program (LGAP) was established to monitor animal welfare and compliance with the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS), which has C&T as a key principle.

LGAP operates through internationally recognised standards, and while they contain elements of control and traceability, the livestock export industry requested the development of a specific Standard.

The new LGAP Standard, LGAP 1004 Livestock assurance - Requirements for traceability systems used by Operators and Facilities (LGAP 1004 or the Standard), has been researched, drafted, reviewed, finalised, and adopted by AniMark. This included a period of public review, comment, and consideration by the AniMark Standards Committee and Board. In addition, amendments to the existing LGAP Standards and Rules were made and adopted to enable the operation of LGAP 1004.

This standard will come into effect with the operationalisation of LGAP, which has yet to occur.

Objectives

The key objectives for this project were to:

• Consult with exporters, companies already assisting with control and traceability measures, and the regulator to understand their concerns and challenges, and assess where improvements may be possible.

• Review existing third-party, foreign government and exporter systems for control and traceability, considering factors such as commercial feasibility, acceptance in the market, and both existing and emerging technology.

• Develop an internationally valid, outcomes-based standard that may be used to demonstrate conformity with ESCAS and other global requirements.

Key findings

• An analysis of ESCAS performance reports from 2015 - 2019 indicated that C&T non-compliance represents the majority of reported ESCAS breaches.

• C&T under ESCAS relies on declarations of compliance by exporters to certify that standards are being met. No detailed standard for control and traceability exists under ESCAS. However, a specific standard for Vietnam was released in 2015.

• Some exporters and importers have developed proprietary databases and technology systems, while others utilise the services of third-party providers to ensure C&T.

• LGAP provides clear expectations for C&T and distributes responsibility more appropriately throughout the supply chain.

Benefits to industry

Cattle, sheep and goats being removed from approved feedlots, abattoirs, and other facilities overseas is a well-identified risk to their welfare and the reputation of Australia’s livestock export industry.

The development of the LGAP standard for control and traceability will help to ensure the systems are in place to prevent this from occurring.

Associated Resources

Creating an LGAP C&T Standard