The LPA program is changing

Members and livestock producers are advised that changes have recently been announced by Meat and Livestock Australia and Integrity Systems regarding the Livestock Production Assurance Program (LPA).

The upgrades, which will come into effect on 1 October, will strengthen LPA for the betterment of the red meat and livestock industries by ensuring Australia builds on its global reputation as a world leader in food safety, integrity and traceability.

Upgrades will include:

  • On-farm biosecurity and animal welfare practices, to be included in the LPA program;
  • LPA accredited producers needing to complete a regular assessment;
  • Producers will be required to pay $60.00 (+GST) for LPA accreditation every three years, as part of a new secure funding model;
  • New online learning modules to up skill producers (LPA Learning); and,
  • Further rollout of free electronic National Vendor Declarations (eNVD).

Integrity Systems Company CEO Dr Jane Weatherley said the new fee structure had been developed by industry and would ensure a positive and secure future for the LPA program.

“By having a renewed process of accreditation, producers will better understand their on-farm responsibilities and the crucial role they play in driving the growth and prosperity of our industry,” Dr Weatherley said.

Integration of these upgrades to facilitate ever-increasing animal welfare standards, productivity and biosecurity is paramount to strengthening Australia’s reputation as a clean, green supplier of primary produce.

More information and tools will be made available over the coming months to prepare for the 1 October upgrade date.

What this means for dairy farmers
WAFarmers advises that dairy farmers will not be impacted by the additional modules in the LPA Standards, as the dairy quality assurance system has been accepted as meeting SAFEMEAT standards.

This means that dairy farmers no longer need to be audited by LPA auditors as the dairy industry audit process meets the safety and quality assurance requirements for meat processors. Industry continues to work on the process to ensure producers are not caught up in audits with LPA, nor the charge of $60.00.

All dairy farmers must be licenced by their State Regulatory Authority and as part of this licencing process must have a documented Food Safety Program. The dairy farm’s Food Safety Program is audited and validated by the relevant State Regulatory Authority.

For more information about how these changes may affect you, contact WAFarmers Livestock and Dairy Executive Officer Kim Haywood on [email protected] or (08) 9486 2100.

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