Australian red meat producers are being urged to take note of upcoming accreditation requirements that will affect both domestic and export markets.
The changes centre on two key areas: a new requirement for Animal Welfare Management Plans as part of the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program, and geolocation tagging for EU-accredited producers under the European Union Deforestation Regulation.
An Animal Welfare Management Plan (AWMP) is now a part of LPA accreditation.
For meat producers accrediting or reaccrediting, this is now a compulsory component effective September 1, 2025.
The plan can be completed within LPA accounts through a new tool that guides producers with species-specific questions aligned to the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines and if the plan is not in place by the time of audit, producers will have 30 days to submit it.
Integrity Systems Company Chief Executive Officer, Jo Quigley, said animal welfare is a key component of the LPA program.
“By completing an Animal Welfare Management Plan, producers and livestock handlers will gain a more detailed understanding of the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines and can demonstrate how their on-farm animal welfare practices are being conducted in accordance with the standards,” Ms Quigley said.
Sam White from Bald Blair Angus, Guyra, NSW, said documenting welfare practices has become a central part of modern livestock management.
“Over the years expectations have changed socially. As expectations grow, the quality of animal welfare management has evolved to meet that. Saying ‘we didn’t do it that way before’ is no longer an argument,” Mr White said.
“Livestock health and wellbeing are fundamental to the success and sustainability of every farm. Red meat consumers, both here in Australia and overseas, seek reassurance that livestock are cared for humanely and ethically.”
For producers accredited to supply the European Union, another major change is on the horizon. Under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), from December 30, 2025 all beef, beef products, hides and leathers exported to the EU must be proven not to have come from deforested land after December 31, 2020.
To meet the requirement, Australian producers can now opt in to record their farm geolocation within their LPA account via myMLA. This information is then linked with the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) so that feedlots and processors can verify the lifetime geolocation history of cattle in a consignment.
The process takes less than a minute and is a one-off requirement covering all livestock linked to a producer’s account.
All producers who sell beef into the EU already hold both EUCAS and LPA accreditation. Completing this tagging step is essential to maintain access to the EU market once the regulation comes into effect.
