Australia enjoys the enviable reputation internationally as home to clean, green, quality red meat and changes overseen by Integrity Systems Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of MLA, aim to strengthen that.

“The benefits of the program underpin our $23 billion industry and enable Australia to trade in over 100 countries around the world,” Integrity Systems chief executive Jane Weatherley told The Border Mail.

“The changes are a natural evolution and enhancement of the longstanding LPA program ... The changes are designed to ensure the Australian red meat industry maintains its global reputation as a world leader in food safety, integrity and traceability.”

From October 1, biosecurity was included in the LPA program. Every LPA-accredited producer must develop a Farm Biosecurity Plan and ensure biosecurity requirements are fulfilled both on farm and during the transport of livestock.

Respected livestock agent Kevin Corcoran said a hobby farmer who sold just a handful of cattle once a year could find the changes frustrating but he said if that same farmer expected similar returns as a large-scale producer in the next sale pen it was reasonable to provide the same quality assurances.

“We’ve got a very good quality green and clean product to market worldwide and we’ve got to keep it that way,” Mr Corcoran said.

“I don't believe it is anything wonderfully new. It’s a biosecurity plan to ensure the quality of our product. That is totally non-negotiable.”

​During a visit to the Border this week, Victorian shadow agriculture minister Peter Walsh said MLA could have explained the changes better.

“It is important to maintain the biosecurity chain of command but I would have thought the PIC number and the ears tags were doing that pretty well,” Mr Walsh said.

Wangaratta and District VFF president Natasha Lobban said the focus should be on protecting Australia’s red meat industry.

“While the information has been available, people have not been absorbing it,” Mrs Lobban said.

“Some people who have small holdings are worried about the expense and all the work that has to go into the record keeping but I would come from at it from the other perspective.

“It’s really important to get biosecurity right, and it is very frustrating for a farmer doing the right thing to see someone else doing the wrong thing.”

The new biosecurity and animal welfare requirements will be considered in LPA audits from January 1 but any non-compliance will not be actioned until July 1.

Producers must keep accreditation current. The new program carries a $60 fee, payable every three years, to replace revenue from declining NVD booklet sales.

“Additionally, the fee will enable the Integrity Systems Company to provide further LPA producer support and education activities,” Dr Weatherley said.

Dr Weatherley said the response from producers using Integrated System’s helpdesk phone service had been “very good”.

“Many small producers have not been aware of the responsibilities associated with the LPA program, mainly because they have been trading infrequently, so with the introduction of these changes we’ve been able to take the opportunity to help them to upskill as needed, not only in biosecurity and animal welfare but across all seven elements of LPA.

“The actions of every livestock owner – whether they have just a few sheep, cattle or goats on their property – can impact their neighbours, local communities and the broader industry.  

“We are encouraging everyone who has livestock on their property to understand their LPA requirements by completing the LPA Learning modules.