P.PSH.1562 - Small Producer Hub - Scoping Study

Summary

This scoping study explored the challenges small-scale livestock producers face in meeting national livestock integrity system requirements, including NLIS, LPA, and eNVD. Through a national survey of 1,055 producers and extensive stakeholder consultation, the project identified widespread gaps in awareness, confidence, and digital literacy. The study proposes the development of a Small Producer Education Hub and a Compliance Toolkit to support producers in meeting their obligations. These tools aim to improve traceability, biosecurity, and audit readiness, with recommendations for pilot testing and national rollout.

Objectives

• Determine how small producers perceive their compliance levels.
• Determine demand for a Small Producer Hub and preferred features.
• Engage stakeholders and review comparable platforms.
• Evaluate technical feasibility for integrating compliance tools.

Key findings

• Smaller producers will benefit from more education on LPA and NLIS requirements, especially in regard to CVD’s and chemical use
• Simplification of technology platforms for NLIS and LPA will benefit smaller producers in accessing information easily and effectively
• Education will bring greater awareness to reduce biosecurity and traceability risks from the smaller producers in industry

Benefits to industry

Conducting this scoping study has provided the industry with a deeper understanding of the compliance challenges faced by small-scale livestock producers. It has delivered insights into awareness gaps, record-keeping practices, and confidence levels among this cohort, which were previously anecdotal. The project has quantified the demand for a centralized education hub and compliance tools, identified preferred features, and assessed technical feasibility for integration with existing systems. These outcomes equip stakeholders with actionable data and strategic direction to address compliance risks and improve engagement with small producers.

MLA action

MLA and ISC are using the outcomes of this project to inform new initiatives with small producers to ensure information and resources are readily available for small producers to access and be best informed to uphold compliance with integrity systems requirements.

Future research

Future research should focus on developing a sustainable commercial model for the Small Producer Hub that ensures long-term viability and industry support. This includes exploring funding mechanisms, partnership opportunities, and service delivery models that allow the hub to provide ongoing insights and compliance support. Additionally, piloting training programs with small producers is essential to gather in-situ evidence of effectiveness. Rather than relying solely on survey responses, these pilots should measure real-world engagement through actions such as attendance at workshops and participation in practical activities. This approach will provide a deeper understanding of adoption drivers and the impact of tailored training on compliance behavior.