Pork industry NLIS gets $1.2 million

AUSTRALIA - The Australian Government has taken another major step to strengthen the security of Australian livestock and protect important export markets.
calendar icon 6 February 2006
clock icon 3 minute read

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, today announced the Government would provide $1.2 million over three years to help the pork industry develop and implement the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).

"The NLIS is a whole-of-life identification and tracing system, which will help us respond quickly to a national pest and disease emergency, and protect the health of Australian livestock," Mr McGauran said.

After the three year funding period it is anticipated that all pig farms will be identified with a Property Identification Code (PIC). State legislation on traceability will be aligned; a national register will link PICs with GPS locations.

The pork industry will use the $1.2 million to:

  • establish and maintain a national consultative committee to oversee the implementation of NLIS in the pork industry ($395,400)

  • fund an extension program for the roll out of NLIS, including a communication strategy ($271,000)

  • develop and integrate new system elements into NLIS, such as waybills and a national pig database to record pig movements ($184,000)

  • fund a contingency reserve to support the system ($132,000)

  • meet project management costs ($101,000)

  • implement audit and compliance activities ($73,100)

  • study the regional saleyard system and exotic disease risks ($28,200)

  • study international traceability arrangements ($18,800)

  • evaluate the national system ($15,000)

  • subsidise a state agency subcommittee to support the national consultative committee ($9,800).

"Our favourable animal health status lays the foundation for Australia's ability to trade and established our reputation for premium quality food. NLIS will help make sure we maintain our standing."

The Government announced in June last year it would provide $5 million to help implement and manage NLIS in livestock industries other than cattle, including sheep, goats and pigs.

"We invited the industries to submit business plans to the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to gain access to the funding," Mr McGauran said.

"The pork industry plan has been given the go-ahead, along with proposals from the sheep and goat industries. We are looking at proposals from other sectors.

Source: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - 31st January 2006

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