July 17, 2023

 

Australia launches National Agriculture Traceability Strategy to safeguard agricultural industry

Australia has launched the country's first National Agriculture Traceability Strategy, introducing new measures to protect the nation's AUD 88 billion (~US$59.9 million; AUD 1 = US$0.68) agricultural industry from biosecurity threats, ABC News reported.

 

The announcement was made by Australia's Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt following the Agriculture Ministers Meeting in Perth, Western Australia. In addition, the ministers endorsed a National Statement on Climate Change and Agriculture, demonstrating Australia's commitment to sustainability to global markets.

 

The traceability strategy aims to establish a comprehensive livestock monitoring system by fostering collaboration across the entire agriculture sector. Senator Watt said these measures are important to prevent potential biosecurity outbreaks that could cost the industry billions of dollars.

 

By implementing traceability systems, which involve electronic monitoring of animal movement from farms to transport and abattoirs, Australia can ensure transparency in provenance and enhance consumer trust, both domestically and in international markets.

 

The strategy encompasses eight objectives, including enhancing tracking and tracing capabilities and fostering national and international collaboration to protect Brand Australia.

 

Senator Watt said that the funding required for implementing the strategy would vary across different states, adding that the government and the industry has a shared responsibility in implementing traceability and biosecurity systems.

 

Part of the strategy includes the nationwide rollout of electronic identification (eID) tags for sheep and goats, which will be mandatory by January 1, 2025. The federal government has committed over AUD 46 million (~US$31.3 million) in funding for the tags and the development of a comprehensive database to support the traceability system. Several states, including Western Australia and South Australia, have also allocated substantial funding to support the initiative.

 

In addition to the traceability strategy, the Agriculture Ministers Meeting endorsed animal welfare standards for the poultry industry and continued efforts to eradicate red imported fire ants. The National Statement on Climate Change and Agriculture, endorsed during the meeting, provides a platform for collaboration between state and territory governments and the agriculture sector to promote climate resilience and sustainability.

 

Senator Watt highlighted the significance of addressing climate change for farmers, not only as an environmental decision but also as a means of reducing costs and meeting consumer and international market demands for sustainable produce.

 

-      ABC News