SAFEMEAT will phase out all but the most recent versions of Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) National Vendor Declarations (NVD’s) during 2015.
The updated NVD's are 0413 versions for cattle, sheep and goats and 0412 for bobby calves.
SAFEMEAT chair Ross Keane said a number of major meat processors would already only accept the latest LPA NVDs.
“This action has been necessary to reduce confusion, deliver consistency in the order and nature of the questions on the LPA NVD, and to provide specific assurances to meet domestic and importing country requirements,” he said.
“The LPA NVDs play a key role in supporting and promoting Australia’s reputation as a reliable supplier of safe, residue free meat and meat products to domestic and international markets.
“The information contained in LPA NVDs is critical to rapidly tracing animal movements in the event of a disease or residue emergency."
While older NVDs still meet regulatory requirements, they no longer satisfy commercial needs of the livestock industry, Mr Keane said.
SAFEMEAT will continue looking into electronic NVD options with an eye to paperless movement of stock from properties to saleyards, feedlots and abattoirs before announcing a firm expiration date of old NVDs 2015.
Mr Keane said transitioning to electronic NVD systems would avoid future redundancy problems caused by printed forms, as electronic NVDs could be immediately updated to meet changing market requirements.
Hard copy LPA NVD books will continue to be available for those who cannot access electronic systems.
“SAFEMEAT will provide further advice to the market as the situation evolves, but producers are now on notice that they will need to either purchase the latest version of the LPA NVD book or access electronic alternatives to avoid any problems with the acceptance of old LPA NVD versions,” Mr Keane said.
Producers can order a new hard-copy LPA NVD booklet online, or purchase electronic LPA NVDs, at http://lpa.ausmeat.com.au/
Producers may also call the LPA Helpdesk on 1800 683 111
