IN BRIEF Producers sign up to enhanced LPA program Almost 70,000 producers “These systems represent a key “Number two is helping producers have completed underpinning of our $22.9 billion shift from a compliance mentality to accreditation under the industry. Even though LPA is a recognising the value that integrity Integrity Systems Company’s voluntary program, it is recognised both adds to their business. This may involve enhanced Livestock Production domestically and internationally, and using some of those new technologies Assurance (LPA) program in its demanded by supply chains around to support integrity systems while also the globe.” boosting on-farm productivity. first year of operation. On-farm audits “And number three is ensuring our The new accreditation process was As part of the integrity program, ISC investments provide customers with launched alongside two new LPA oversees about 2,000 random audits trust in the system and a distinct program elements: animal welfare of LPA-accredited producers each year willingness to pay more for Australian and biosecurity. (see story opposite). red meat.” ■ Integrity Systems Company (ISC) is a “From July 2018, producers were fully owned subsidiary of MLA. Its Chief expected to demonstrate to auditors Completed accreditations: Operating Officer Jo Quigley said the that they understand and comply with 69,667 new accreditation process utilised the new requirements under animal a system of learning modules and a welfare and biosecurity,” Jo said. New accreditations: short assessment completed every three years. “Including the new elements in ouraudits will help us understand how they 12,877 “Accreditation has been designed to help are being implemented on-farm and, producers re-familiarise themselves Voluntary renewals: if we feel producers need more support 39,572 with the requirements of the program with those areas, it will help us direct by using the new LPA learning modules, communication and education efforts.” while ensuring they’re also across the Requested renewals: new requirements of animal welfare and Looking forward 15,710 biosecurity,” Jo said. The past six months has also seen ISC Underpinning market access work with industry and government to develop an integrity systems strategy as of February 2019 While the animal welfare and for 2025 and beyond. biosecurity requirements are ‘new’, Jo said it won’t represent much of a “We recognise that for Australian red Jo Quigley change for producers and shouldn’t be meat to remain competitive in the T: 02 9463 9139 an impost on them. global market we need to be investing E: jquigley@integritysystems.com.au in new technologies and R&D,” Jo said. Kathleen Allan “Most producers already meet these requirements as part of their day-to-day“We’re still finalising the draft strategy, T: 02 9463 9236 management, record keeping and but at this stage it’s focused on three E: kallan@integritysystems.com.au livestock husbandry,” Jo said. primary elements. “The difference now is that we’re able “Number one is investing in new to illustrate to our customers that we technologies to ensure the integrity have integrity systems in place to not system of the future is simple to use only verify the traceability and safety ofand interact with. the product they’re receiving, but also underpin our product claims in relation to animal welfare and biosecurity. 6