Page 15 - Australian Pork Newspaper

Businesses sourcing responsibly
Producers benefit from Health4Wealth program
Pork Integrity
A RURAL Research and Development for Profit program Health- 4Wealth was funded by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Aus- tralian Pork Limited, Meat and Livestock Australia and Aus- tralian Meat Processor Corporation.
This program aimed to develop a standardised approach to data collec- tion and providing pro- ducers with feedback for visible disease-related carcass and offal con- demnations for sheep, cattle, pigs and goats.
program for producers are decreased treat- ment costs and reduced production losses by lowering disease preva- lence.
The estimated benefit cost ratios are 3.65 and 4.56, which equates to $68 million and $40 million of NPV for pig producers and proces- sors respectively.
Recently, Frontier Economics undertook a cost benefit analysis of the H4W program.
For processors, this means an increase in meat inspector produc- tivity and reduced offal condemnation.
The results demon- strate there is likely to be a strong value propo- sition for both pig pro- ducers and processors.
As part of the pork pilot trials, data were collected for 17 different perimortem conditions.
Cost benefit analysis considered the costs as- sociated with disease prevention, management and program adminis- tration costs for pro- ducers.
Overall, this program provides strong evidence that participants across the supply chain can derive significant value from a national rollout of H4W program.
Not all conditions were considered in the cost benefit analysis – when deciding what to in- clude, consideration was given to:
On the other hand, in this analysis, costs for processors considered were increased meat inspection time, admin- istrative time to liaise with producers, and to install and maintain the technology.
It should be pointed out that the benefits to individual producers will vary, depending on the conditions on their farm and the health of their herds.
• Whether the disease was detectable at peri- mortem inspection
• Whether there was reliable information about the costs and prev- alence of disease
Results of this analysis were expressed in net present value, which is the total present value of benefits minus the total present value of costs.
For further informa- tion on this report or for the full copy of the final report, contact Dr Vai- bhav Gole on 0436 934 763 or email vaibhav. gole@australianpork. com.au
• Whether the disease has a significant impact on industry
• Whether it is cost ef- fective for producers to manage the disease.
The benefits of this
by DR VAIBHAV GOLE
AUSTRALIANS want to know if the businesses they engage with operate in ways that align with their values.
thoroughly review their supply chains to under- stand any current animal welfare issues and how these can be addressed.
fare within the company, animal welfare policy.
We know Australians care about farm animal welfare and want to sup- port responsibly sourced animal-based products, as has been seen with the uptake of cage free eggs.
The RSPCA has devel- oped responsible sourcing guides for key species, which provide businesses with a step-by-step pro- cess for exactly this.
articulate how the policy is governed and, based on the outcome of the supply chain analysis, outline goals for improving an- imal welfare.
If you’re an individual who cares about animal welfare, you can also ask companies that you pur- chase from about their supply chains – the guides are for consumers too!
While Australians un- derstand that animals are farmed for food, they also believe farm animals de- serve a good life and a hu- mane death, with the ex- pectation that businesses believe this too.
As part of the RSPCA’s responsible sourcing guides, short and long- term goals applicable to the current Australian market and production are available for businesses to use when planning next steps.
You can still help to encourage businesses to source responsibly, even if you’re not part of the procurement process.
No matter our role in the supply chain, we can all play a part in ensuring that businesses source animal-based products re- sponsibly.
Forward-thinking busi- nesses are recognising how important it is to re- flect these values, both to maintain community sup- port and remain viable.
Most importantly, busi- nesses that are responsibly sourcing animal-based products should publish a public-facing animal wel- fare policy.
As an example, you might be looking to ensure your workplace is doing their part to incorporate animal welfare standards in their operations.
With the right tools, businesses can improve operations and enhance their social standing, consumers can make in- formed choices from com- panies they trust – both contributing to the shared goal of a good quality of life for animals.
This crucial public ac- ceptance is known as having a ‘social licence’ to operate.
The policy should clearly identify who is re- sponsible for animal wel-
Consider sharing the RSPCA’s responsible sourcing guides with your business procurement team or starting the con- versation with colleagues about developing formal
Not part of the procure- ment process but wanting to help source respon- sibly?
You can use them as a tool to ask informed ques- tions of your favourite companies and brands.
For animal-based in- dustries that source from them, it’s becoming more important to consider and improve animal welfare in order to maintain their social licence.
In response, many have made the shift to better practices, sourcing re- sponsibly and maintaining their social licence. Sourcing responsibly
To responsibly source animal-based products, it’s vital that businesses have proactive relation- ships with their suppliers to enable them to go right back to the source and engage directly on animal management practices.
From this position, busi- nesses are well placed to
To responsibly source animal-based products, it’s vital businesses have proac- tive relationships with suppliers.
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www.porknews.com.au
Australian Pork Newspaper, July 2022 – Page 15