W.GNT.2001 - ATMAC - Vietnam welfare project

Summary

The ATMAC funded project was part of a broader three year (now extended to four year) program of work funded by Meat and Livestock Australia. 

The program of work has created a platform for the Australian red meat industry and Australian Government to engage with the Vietnamese Government. Not only has this enabled the successful completion of the ATMAC program deliverables but it has allowed for greater access to information from the Vietnamese Government about upcoming policy decisions which have allowed MLA and the Australian Government the ability to act quickly on any threats to the trade.

Objectives

• The objective of this project was to harmonise standards between Australia and Vietnam, strengthen trade relationships with an important market for the livestock export and red meat industry and to protect market access.
• Vietnam has grown over the past 10 years to be Australia’s second largest livestock export market and has faced a series of animal welfare issues over the development of the trade.
• Aligning Australia’s animal welfare expectations and standards with Vietnam allows greater cooperation to develop this trade, protect access to a key market and to promote Australia’s credentials as a trusted supplier of high quality protein.

Key findings

• Grant delivered funding for workshops to agree and develop the national animal welfare standards for Vietnam for transportation and slaughter of livestock.
• The Grant also allowed for a delegation of Vietnamese officials to Australia to develop their understanding of Australia's systems.
  National Animal Welfare standards of Vietnam are aligned with Australia's and ESCAS requirements.

Benefits to industry

Strong relationships with Department of Animal Health in Vietnam.
Greater understanding of Australia's animal welfare and integrity systems.
National Animal welfare standards in Vietnam which align (and do not conflict with) Australian requirements.

MLA action

MLA will be continuing to work with the Department of Animal Health routinely on adoption pathways for national animal welfare standard.

Future research

Adoption of Animal Welfare standards will be a key area for further investment to reduce risks of ESCAS non-compliance and consolidate the good work that has been achieved so far.