W.LIV.3054 - Determination of control and traceability arrangements that will underpin the Livestock Global Assurance Program (LGAP)

Summary

LGAP is a conformity assessment system designed to assist livestock exporters to meet their regulatory requirements under the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS). LGAP aims to strengthen the principles of ESCAS, better ensure the welfare of exported animals and demonstrate the professionalism of the trade while helping to protect the long-term sustainability of the industry. In consultation with MLA and in consideration of the previous research undertaken, AniMark is proposing to undertake a two-phased project to clearly identify if there are industry needs beyond the enhancements that the current LGAP framework will deliver and identify to what extent AniMark can help meet those needs in a commercial manner.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this project are to:
Consult with exporters and companies already assisting them with control and traceability measures, as well as the regulator, to understand their concerns and challenges, and assess where improvements may be possible.
Review existing third-party, foreign government and exporter systems, with consideration to factors such as commercial feasibility, acceptance in market, and both existing and emerging technology.
Develop an internationally valid Standard which is outcomes-based and may be used to demonstrate conformity with ESCAS and other global requirements.

Key findings

The C&T aspects of ESCAS are designed to ensure livestock remain within an approved supply chain so that handling and slaughter are in accordance with internationally accepted animal welfare guidelines. Based on information available from the Department, the two aspects of C&T are:
• Control
Exporters must have control of all supply chain arrangements from the point of unloading from the vessel to the point of slaughter, including livestock transport and management. Control means that all livestock remain within the approved supply chain.
Exporters can demonstrate control through either vertical integration, where a parent company has control because it owns all components of the supply chain, or contractual arrangements with parties that are not vertically integrated.
• Traceability
Exporters must be able to trace or account for livestock through the supply chain in order to demonstrate that all livestock only went to facilities that have been independently audited, found to be compliant and included in the approved supply chain.

All cattle and buffalo in an export consignment must be individually identified and traceable from the Australian registered premises through to the overseas abattoir. Exporters must be able to locate livestock at any point in the supply chain.

For sheep and goats, a process of counting and reconciling livestock numbers at different points in the supply chain and retaining data for each point to allow auditing and reconciliation by an independent auditor must be in place.

The project timeline was ambitious and scheduled to occur over a 16-month period. The project was successfully delivered in advance of the scheduled timeframe (<12 months) and to budget, with all objectives and reporting milestones met.

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. Strengthening LGAP standards for control and traceability will help to ensure the systems are in place to prevent this happening.

The introduction of LGAP and a new C&T (control and traceability) system standard will clarify obligations, introduce consistency in approaches and encourage conformity. Genuine conformity with LGAP, including the new C&T system standard, will help minimise industry risks associated with C&T.

MLA action

Whilst outside the scope of the project, MLA and Animark can collaborate in the future to make the LGAP 1004 services available. This will involve;
• update AniMark’s ESCAO Approved Arrangement application and/or secure the Department’s approval of a significant variation of the ESCAO Approved Arrangement (depending on the Department’s application approval status)
• finalise updates to the LGAP Rules based on the outcomes of the ESCAO Approved Arrangement process and complete necessary governance processes
• commission updates to the AniMark IT Conformance System, to accommodate the new certification requirements
• develop guidance materials, checklists and templates for Operators, Facilities, Traceability System Providers, Approved Certification Bodies and Approved Auditors
• develop training materials and delivery of training for Operators, Facilities, Traceability System Providers, Approved Certification Bodies and Approved Auditors, and
• secure an extension of services from Approved Certification Bodies, negotiate fees and undertake auditor assessment and approval.

Future research

Based on the outcomes of Stage 1 of the project, four recommendations were made;
- Introduce a standardised approach to the use of C&T systems under LGAP. It is recommended this be achieved through the development of an additional standard for C&T systems along with modifications to the existing LGAP Certification Requirements to recognise and give effect to the new standard.
- Develop the new standard for C&T systems as LGAP 1004 and this include outcomes-based requirements for both the C&T systems and the providers of such systems (who may be internal or external providers).
- Modify the existing LGAP Standards to recognise the standardised approach to the use of C&T systems under LGAP and give effect to the new standard.
- Modify the existing LGAP Certification Rules to recognise the standardised approach to the use of C&T systems under LGAP and give effect to the new standard.