Livestock Export Reform Roll out on Schedule
AUSTRALIA - The Gillard Government’s exporter supply chain assurance system was extended to the second tranche of Australian livestock export markets from 1 September.
6 September 2012
2 minute read
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said the implementation of the system to Israel, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, Oman, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) meant the Government’s reforms now apply to 99 per cent of Australia’s livestock export trade.
All Australian feeder and slaughter livestock will be exported under the system by the end of the year.
“The Gillard Government is committed to the live export trade where acceptable animal welfare outcomes can be achieved – it supports jobs, families and communities throughout Australia,” Minister Ludwig said.
“The exporter supply chain assurance system (ESCAS) puts animal welfare at the heart of the trade. By doing so, it helps to secure a strong future for our livestock export industry and those who rely on it.”
The 1 September implementation of ESCAS to Tranche 2 markets meets the timelines set out in the Government’s response to the Independent Review of Australia’s Livestock Export Trade conducted by Mr Bill Farmer AO and by the Industry-Government Working Group.
“Under ESCAS, livestock may only be exported into approved supply chains; must be traced from start to finish and treated at, or better than, internationally agreed welfare standards; and supply chains must be independently audited to verify ongoing compliance,” Minister Ludwig said.
“The Government will continue to work with industry, exporters and our trading partners to continue the roll out of ESCAS and to set a benchmark that requires exporters to take responsibility for the welfare of animals throughout their supply chain.”
Australia is the only country to introduce reforms that require specific animal welfare conditions for its exported livestock.
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