State’s farmers outline key conditions for traceability system
The state’s peak agricultural advocacy body says industry support for traceability reforms will require several key concessions from decision makers.The increased risk of a Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak drew a lot of attention earlier in the year, prompting decision-makers to fast-track announcements on a nationally consistent traceability reform. However, several key players in the industry – including NSW Farmers – have warned need to make sure that the reform is national consistent and holistic. The cost and scale of what is being proposed could have a serious chilling effect on farm productivity, and those involved have been urged to take those concerns seriously.NSW Farmers Sheepmeat Committee chair Jenny Bradley said her members were insisting any national system be affordable and not impact production.“Given these reforms would have occurred with or without the support of NSW Farmers, it made a lot of sense to stake out our claims and be part of the process to secure better outcomes,” Mrs Bradley said.“The people pushing this reform need to remember that farmers produce food and fibre for people, and any move that reduces production will drive up prices for consumers.“Our members want to see affordable tags, financial assistance to adopt new technologies and a staged roll-out to ensure farmers aren’t left bearing the burden of these reforms.”NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders announced the state would move toward a national traceability system during the NSW Farmers Annual Conference, prompting an urgency motion and swift debate from members. Mrs Bradley said NSW Farmers would provide in-principle support, but believed this national system must:a. Have jurisdictional harmonisationb. Reduce tag costs to an economically affordable level (i.e. national tag tender)c. Financially assist farmers and the supply chain to invest in technologyd. Be underpinned by an equitable funding arrangement across the supply chaine. Ensure NLIS database has proven capabilityf. Retain the option of tag free pathwaysg. A staged roll out over a five-year periodh. Be developed in consultation with producers; andi. NLIS is the only system that is available for stock movements“We know from the Varroa mite outbreak that traceability is a key part of strong biosecurity systems,” Mrs Bradley said.“However, we also recognise that these systems must support the industry, not hold it back, which is why it is so critical to bring farmers along on the journey.“The sheep industry cannot afford to underestimate the value of having a robust traceability system that underpins our trade markets – we just want to make sure it is practical, affordable and fit-for-purpose.”
Date: Friday, September 30, 2022
Media Contact: Steve Mudd | 0429 011 690 | mudds@nswfarmers.org.au