Australia’s livestock industry has recently recognised the importance of on-farm biosecurity. From 1 October, each livestock producer in Australia will be required to have a biosecurity plan, following changes to the Australian Livestock Production Assurance program. This on-farm assurance program covers such aspects as food safety, animal welfare, animal movement, and now, biosecurity. It provides evidence of livestock history and on-farm practices when transferring livestock through the value chain.
The new biosecurity plan documents practices undertaken to manage stock and minimise the risk of introducing or spreading diseases, pests and weeds on properties.
All livestock movements, including property to property, through saleyards, direct to processors and feedlots, and to the live export trade, require a National Vendor Declaration. This Declaration, obtained as part of the Livestock Production Assurance program, is the main document behind Australia’s reputation as a reliable supplier of safe red meat to domestic and international markets.
Could the requirement for a biosecurity plan be the future for grapegrowers too?
You can see a copy of the biosecurity plan template here.