Live Export

VFF welcomes positive live export ESCAS Review report

Sheep Central, January 23, 2015

THE Victorian Farmers Federation livestock group has welcomed the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) report on live exports released last week.

The VFF said the review report further proves Australia is a world leader when it comes to animal welfare.

VFF Livestock Group president Ian Feldtmann said the report confirmed not only compliance with exported livestock, but improvements in animal husbandry and handling.

“As a livestock industry we are committed to not only upholding world class animal welfare practices, but leading them.

“The report confirms that our system is unique and is working. Further, it reinforces the demand that overseas nations have for Australia’s high quality, reliable and safe protein,” he said.

The report shows that since the ESCAS system was introduced, 8,035,633 livestock were exported with just 0.16 percent experiencing a potentially adverse animal welfare outcome.

“ESCAS and the work of the industry has ensured the continuation of the trade which is good for exporters and producers who rely on market competition and diversity to drive higher farm gate return,” he said.

The report also reveals that more than 7000 people have been trained in animal handling and husbandry skills in destination markets under ESCAS.

Mr Feldtmann also said while the system is not without fault and certainly has room for improvement, it has achieved significant improvements in animal welfare in a short time.

“Our priority as farmers and as an industry is to ensure the welfare of animals. It is not in farmers nor the community’s best interests to see animals suffering which is why we are committed to constantly improving ” he said.

Source: VFF

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