Producers throughout the State are being urged to ensure their accreditation with the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) database is up to date.

From March 1, there will be a requirement for all livestock producers using LPA National Vendor Declarations (NVD) to be fully accredited on the LPA database.

Livestock producers who are currently fully accredited with LPA do not need to act.

General manager livestock at Cargill Beef Australia, Grant Garey, said the LPA national vendor declaration system underpinned Australia’s red meat food safety integrity and reputation.

Cargill operates two of the State’s busiest processing plants in Wagga Wagga and Tamworth.

"We fully support the LPA system and will continue to source cattle which are accompanied by an LPA declaration, which means producers will need to be fully accredited by March 1," Mr Garey said.

"The majority of producers now realise complying with the LPA program secures an unlimited market and essentially enhances their marketing options.

"After March 1 only fully accredited LPA producers will have access to the LPA declaration."

Producers will either be accredited or not accredited with LPA after March 1, meaning those who are fully accredited can continue to sell using LPA NVDs and will get full competition for their products.

"Those who aren’t may find the market for their livestock significantly reduced, because they won’t be permitted to use LPA NVDs," Mr Garey said.

"A trace back and trace forward system is crucial for the industry and LPA gives us great confidence in the cattle we purchase.

"It’s our guarantee to buyers and customers and it boosts market access and international trade."

He says Cargill Beef takes its role in the food chain seriously and has heavily focussed on the correct completion of LPA NVD forms.

"We have raised the bar significantly through returning all incorrect forms to our buyers, who in turn go back to the producer," Mr Garey said.

"Cattle sent to our abattoirs are not killed until LPA NVDs are completed correctly, and from March 1 this means that only the livestock from fully accredited properties will be accepted."

There is no cost to producers to upgrade their LPA status.

Provisional LPA accreditation was granted to all red meat producers in 2004, with producers updating their status to full accreditation automatically when re-ordering NVD booklets.

Fully accredited producers abide by the LPA rules and standards regarding the food safety status of livestock.

Independent audits, both random and targeted, are conducted to ensure the ongoing integrity of the LPA program.

Contact the LPA hotline, (1800) 683 111 or go on-line at www.mla.com.au/lqs to check or upgrade LPA status.