Meeting new European market requirements

Producers accredited through the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program can now share their geolocation data via the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS). This initiative will help support continued access to European markets and contribute to best practice land management.

How LPA helps fill the data gap

Elizabeth Bradley, Integrity Systems Company’s Manager of Quality, Policy and Compliance, explained how the new requirements are supported by the NLIS.

“We’ve developed a simple mapping tool (via LPA) which allows producers who are part of the EU supply chain to opt-in and share their geolocation data,” Elizabeth said.

“We’ve made the tool as simple and easy to use as possible, while also ensuring producers remain in control of their data at all times.”

“This geolocation data can then be shared with the European importer without sharing any Property Identification Codes (PICs) – ensuring the privacy of our producers is protected.”

Elizabeth also emphasised that the geolocation-sharing feature does not access land degradation or deforestation data - that responsibility sits with the European importer, who (as part of their import documentation) (as part of their import documentation) needs to submit a Due Diligence Statement based on information provided by the Australian exporter.

Obtaining lifetime geolocation data

To maintain EU market access, whole-of-life geolocation data is required so that EU importers can verify the deforestation status of any land associated with an animal.

Processors and feedlots can access an animal’s full geolocation history by searching its electronic identification number in the NLIS database.

“Once the search is complete, further checks can be conducted as part of the arrangements with the importer, and the deforestation check can then be passed through with the documentation,” Elizabeth said.

“It’s effectively filling a data gap to ensure the export of cattle and cattle products to the EU can continue.”

Assurance of land management

Elizabeth said these new regulations could serve as a foundation for incorporating land management assurance into the LPA program.

“I think this is an opportunity for us to work with industry and set some national expectations around how we provide assurance for things such as land management and deforestation, etc.”

Impacts on the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework

For the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework, these developments may support the priority area of the balance of tree and grass cover, and market access.

“The more information we have, the more the livestock industry will be able to promote sustainability across the board,” Elizabeth said.

“It’ll ensure that where we have high-value market requirements, wherever they may be, we’ll be able to easily fulfil them.

“The data collected to ensure EU market requirements are met will also help bolster the whole assurance framework in the future.”