AWTA - Welcomes Mandatory Farm ID for Enhanced Biosecurity

This significant step, led by a submission from the Wool Industries Australia (WIA), is crucial for bolstering Australia's preparedness and response to potential emergency animal diseases (EADs). The implementation plan and timeline for these changes will be announced by WIA after the committee next meets.

The amended clause 1.4.7 of the IWTO Core Test regulations is:
Where an IWTO Certificate is required, the seller shall provide a declaration to the Test House stating the Wool Preparation Category for the wool types where a Wool Preparation Category is defined in Section 1.3. In the case of Grower and Interlots, the National Committee of the country in which the Test House is situated, may require that a declaration is made to identify the farm(s) on which that wool was grown.

The ability for government authorities to rapidly trace wool back to its farm of origin is essential for managing an EAD outbreak, such as Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD). The broader collection of PIC data will further strengthen the digital EAD response capabilities of the Australian Wool Traceability Hub (AWTH) which underpins the efficient compartmentalisation and zoning of wool production areas by authorities, thereby minimising trade disruptions that could otherwise be severe and costly. 

Currently, AWTA holds PIC data for approximately 50% of the Australian wool clip which is provided voluntarily by selling agents. However, to ensure a truly effective and swift EAD response, the industry must have over 90% of the clip represented. The updated IWTO regulations now empower WIA to mandate that a PIC be provided to AWTA before an IWTO Test Certificate is issued for grower and interlot wools. This means that providing PICs, declared by growers to their selling agents, will become a standard requirement for these wool categories.

AWTA Ltd Managing Director Michael Jackson said in response to the IWTO announcement that “This industry-led initiative demonstrates a proactive commitment to biosecurity and the long-term resilience of the Australian wool industry. AWTA is prepared to implement this change as and when determined by WIA, ensuring that IWTO Test Certificates are issued only when this mandatory farm information has been supplied, thereby supporting a more robust and secure future for Australian wool.”

More Information: 
AWTH PIC declaration
EAD Response via AWTH