Page 9 - National Poultry Newspapaper

Australia’s biosecurity investment
Devenish focuses on sustainable poultry production to boost profits
DEVENISH sustaina- ble agriculture manag- er Gill Gallagher said sustainable poultry production is a chal- lenge which needs to be addressed immedi- ately to meet changing market demands and to boost farm profit- ability.
sight into identifying in- efficiencies and carbon hotspots in the business.
tional aids correctly to extract maximum nutri- ents from raw materials.
Speaking virtually at the World’s Poultry Science Association Fo- rum in conjunction with Poultry Information Exchange in Australia, she said there was lit- tle time to waste in the race to provide the world’s growing popu- lation with healthy diets from sustainable food systems.
“From a strategic point of view, ensuring your production system is as sustainable as pos- sible is a win-win and will only enhance the bottom line.”
Finally, it pays divi- dends to ensure the bird is as healthy as possible so it can fully utilise nutrients.
That urgency has aris- en as a result of increas- ing policy pressures by governments that have put in place ambitious carbon reduction poli- cies in the race to net zero.
Emissions can also be reduced by using the most environmentally friendly combination of raw materials and nutri-
“Close attention to these details will not only reduce the carbon footprint but will also improve feed conver- sion and boost profits,” Ms Gallagher said.
“A more efficient farm is a more profit- able farm with a lower carbon footprint,” Ms Gallagher said.
In addition, grow- ers should minimise anti-nutritional factors which could inhibit di- gestion and utilisation ofnutrients.
She said that within the poultry production system, the best way to minimise environmen- tal impact is to ensure a targeted diet based on precision nutrition, which has been regular- ly reviewed and updated using appropriate meas- urement techniques.
Nutrition does not stand alone in the drive to reduce carbon emis- sions but sits alongside good management and a constant focus on the health of the bird.
“Ultimately, reducing carbon pays.”
In addition, consum- ers and other custom- ers along the supply chain are increasingly demanding action on greenhouse gas reduc- tion and want to see that farms are adhering to sustainable sourcing policies.
That has the potential to result in eco label- ling on products to give consumers choice.
Meanwhile, the ability to measure the carbon footprintofpoultrypro- duction offers a real in-
Devenish sustainable agriculture manager Gill Gallagher.
AUSTRALIA'S Federal and our economy are at vironment that not only sponsibility,” Mr Mahar
Government has heeded calls led by the Nation- al Farmers Federation to increase funding for biosecurity and innova- tion.
the mercy of the poten- tial for pests and diseases to break the containment lines of our island nation.”
farmers, but all Austral- ians enjoy.
said.
“It is crucial that fund-
The Australian Govern- ment announced a $371 million investment in bi- osecurity at Rockhamp- ton on May 4.
“Most recently farmers have grappled with the everyday threat of the ar- rival of African swine fe- ver and the khapra beetle and continue to do the lion’s share of the work in managing introduced pests such as feral pigs, foxes and red fire ants.
“Stemming biodiversity decline from already in- troduced pests is difficult enough as a nation, we need to take every step to ensure further feral spe- cies aren’t added to the mix,” Mr Mahar said.
ing is underpinned by a transparent strategy, where all stakeholders from paddock to port, packing shed to airport terminal, understand their responsibilities and their role in the event of an incursion.”
The package is slightly shy of the NFF’s ask for $400 million over four years to expand and mod- ernise Australia’s ailing biosecurity system which has struggled to keep pace with a sharp increase in threats and incursions.
“COVID-19 has shown the absolute devastation at a human health level when biosecurity is breached.”
“Strong biosecurity is at the heart of the NFF- led goal for agriculture to achieve $100 billion in farmgate output by 2030, up from about $65 billion this year.”
Mr Mahar added that farmers were disappoint- ed when the much-antici- pated biosecurity imports levy fell at the final hur- dle and would continue to make the case for reform including a long-term, re- newable biosecurity fund- ing stream.
National Farmers Fed- eration chief executive officer Tony Mahar said, “Australian agriculture, farmers, regional com- munities, the environment
Impenetrable border safeguards were vital to protecting the productiv- ity, trade and market ac- cess of the world-class food and fibre Austral- ian farmers produce and to protect the natural en-
The new investment will be directed towards a va- riety of biosecurity and export service projects, with a focus on modernis- ing ICT systems, technol- ogy and data analytics.
“The NFF and our members look forward to learning more about the announced funding and corresponding projects and will continue to work closely with government towards a world-class biosecurity regime,” Mr Mahar said.
“This is a good start,” Mr Mahar said.
“Applying cutting-edge science and technology is crucial to ensuring our biosecurity system is fu- ture-ready.
“We also welcome funding to enable better communication between government, industry and citizens.
Australian agriculture, farmers, regional communities and our economy and environment are at the mercy of potential pests and diseases. Photo: Jayden Staines
“Protecting agriculture, our environment, our peo- ple and our economy from the harmful effects of un- wanted pests and diseases is an absolute shared re-
“As the peak body for Australian agriculture with a national footprint, the NFF is well placed to play a key role in these communications.”
The best biosecurity re- sults can only be achieved when government and industry work hand in glove.
National
Federation chief execu- tive officer Tony Mahar said applying cutting edge science and tech- nology is crucial to ensur- ing Australia’s biosecurity system is future-ready.
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National Poultry Newspaper, June 2021 – Page 9