Review of the current definition of lamb and the economic impact of changing to a two-tooth definition
The definition of lamb was updated to harmonise with the New Zealand definition in 2018.
| Project start date: | 09 April 2017 |
| Project end date: | 08 March 2018 |
| Publication date: | 22 August 2022 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | National |
Summary
The Sheepmeat Council of Australia has requested MLA undertake a review of the current Australian lamb definition of no permanent incisors and the economic impact of changing to a two-tooth definition.
The research project should consider the 2008 Holmes Sackett Assessment of the economic impact on stakeholder and industry from extending the lamb definition, with a focus on the implications of changing the lamb definition with particular consideration of:
- market access implications of changing the lamb definition
- production system implications associated with changing the lamb definition
- brand risk associated with changing the lamb definition
- on-farm opportunities and risks.
The research report will result in a series of recommendations based on economic analysis.
The project will review existing published material as well as economic analysis of the implication of changing the lamb definition.
Oversight of the project will be undertaken by a steering committee comprising two representatives from the Sheepmeat Council of Australia and Meat & Livestock Australia.
Objectives
To provide an economic analysis of the impact of changes to the Australian lamb definition in light of:
1. Any actual or perceived restrictions on commercial activity and global market access under current lamb definition.
2. Any current or expected development in on-farm production systems and through processing that would be affected by a change in lamb definition.
3. Any actual or perceived brand risk associated with changing the lamb definition.
Key findings
1. No organisation through the discussion of the market access findings has expressed a desire to move the definition beyond harmonisation with the New Zealand definition.
2. Harmonisation with the New Zealand definition is thought to carry low risk with regard to market access because New Zealand has access to all markets that Australia has access to.
3. There is a general awareness that extension of the definition of lamb beyond 'no permanent incisor in wear' does carry some additional market access/brand risk, however the risk is highest in comparatively small markets (EU).
Benefits to industry
Having an extended definition that allowed one, but not two, of the first permanent pair of incisors to be in wear.
Future research
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For more information Contact Project Manager: Michael Crowley |
