Hobby Farmers Guide to: What is LPA, and Why Do You Need to Be Part of the Program?
The Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program is a cornerstone of Australia’s red meat integrity system. It ensures that Australian livestock producers meet the highest standards of food safety, animal welfare, and biosecurity, maintaining trust with both domestic and international markets.
For hobby farmers and small producers, participation in the LPA program is not just a compliance measure but an opportunity to contribute to the reputation and sustainability of Australia’s livestock industry.
What is the LPA Program?
The LPA program is a voluntary, industry-managed initiative administered by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). It forms part of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) and underpins the quality and safety of Australia’s red meat products. Participation in the LPA program demonstrates a producer’s commitment to:
Food Safety
Animal Welfare
Environmental Stewardship
Biosecurity Practices
Livestock Traceability
These assurances are essential for accessing premium markets and maintaining consumer confidence.
Why Do You Need to Be Part of the LPA Program?
Market Access: Many saleyards, processors, and buyers require livestock to be sourced from LPA-accredited producers. Without accreditation, your market opportunities are very limited. When you buy livestock knowing that they come from LPA accredited producers, you can have assurance that they have been raised to the minimum standards in accordance to LPA's guidelines.
Food Safety Compliance: Ensures the meat you produce complies with Australia’s food safety standards, protecting consumer health and supporting industry reputation. We all like to know that the food we consume has been well looked after in the safest, caring and most humane way possible.
Traceability and Biosecurity: LPA records enable rapid response in the event of disease outbreaks, ensuring industry sustainability and minimising economic losses.
Building Trust: Consumers are increasingly concerned about how their food is produced. LPA accreditation provides assurance that your livestock is raised responsibly and at minimum standards in accordance to LPA's guidelines.
Supporting Industry Reputation: Contributing to the integrity of Australian red meat helps maintain its status as a global leader in quality and safety. This safeguards the whole supply chain from producers to processors and everyone in between.
What Do You Need to Do to Be Part of the LPA Program?
Obtain a Property Identification Code (PIC): Register your property with your state or territory’s biosecurity authority to obtain a PIC. This is a prerequisite for joining the LPA program and registering livestock with the NLIS.
Register for the LPA Program: Visit the LPA website (lpa.nlis.com.au) to register your property. You’ll need your PIC and basic property details on hand for this step once you have received confirmation that your PIC has registered.
Complete the LPA Accreditation Process: Agree to adhere to the seven key requirements of the LPA program: Property risk assessment Safe and responsible animal treatments Stock foods, fodder, and water management Animal welfare practices Biosecurity management Livestock transactions and movements Record-keeping and documentation Completing an online learning module is encouraged to help you understand these requirements.
Pay the Accreditation Fee: A nominal fee is required to maintain your accreditation. The fee covers a two-year accreditation period.
Maintain Records and Undertake Audits: Keep detailed records of all livestock activities, including feed, treatments, and movements. Random audits are conducted to ensure compliance.
Access National Vendor Declarations (NVDs): Once accredited, you can access LPA NVDs, a legal document required when selling or moving livestock. NVDs are essential for verifying the safety and traceability of your livestock.
Why Hobby Farmers and Small Producers Should be apart of LPA?
As a hobby farmer or small producer, being part of the LPA program ensures you are:
Contributing to the overall integrity of the livestock industry.
Equipped to meet buyer and market requirements.
Confident in the safety, welfare, and quality of your livestock.
Whether you sell directly to local markets or through larger channels, LPA accreditation aligns your operation with the standards expected of Australian livestock producers, no matter the size of your property or enterprise. LPA accreditation is a necessity for most market you sell into.
Key Takeaways
The LPA program safeguards Australia’s red meat integrity.
Accreditation is crucial for accessing markets, ensuring food safety, and maintaining traceability.
Participation involves registration, compliance with program requirements, and maintaining accurate records.
For small producers and hobby farmers, LPA accreditation demonstrates your commitment to quality and sustainability, opening doors to more opportunities and contributing to industry-wide success.
For more information and to begin your LPA accreditation journey, visit the LPA website or reach out directly to JAB Agri Solutions.
Helpful Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21zWCcgUjNU
https://www.jabagrisolutions.com.au/contact
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is true and correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of publication. It is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to verify any information and seek independent advice relevant to their individual circumstances, particularly where legal, financial, or regulatory compliance matters are concerned.