Australia
FIAAA & SFMCA
Australian Market Conditions
During 2022/23, the Australian animal feed industry (members of FIAAA and SFMCA) have experienced an amazing market. The demand for feed has grown over the last few years due to floods and droughts. Livestock producers have started to understand there is a need to meet market specifications and they can meet these specifications more quickly and efficiently when on complete feed. In 2018 feed demand was approx. 5.5 million tonnes with 2022-23 sitting at approx. 8.7 million tonnes.
The poultry industry has seen the largest growth with 50.1 kg per capita of chicken meat being consumed. Australia has also seen feedlot numbers over 1.1 million head on feed for over 12 months. Increasing number s of lambs are being fed due to the huge demand for exported product.
On a positive note, the grains industry had a bumper year, with it being the largest crop on record. This is the second year in a row of a record crop. Grain prices have not fallen due to demand from Australia’s export markets that have increased dramatically.
The issues experienced during COVID have somewhat been rectified. However, the industry (along with the rest of the country) is still experiencing labour shortages and domestic transport issues.
Feed Ingredients and Additives Association of Australia (FIAAA)
The Feed Ingredients and Additives Association of Australia was formed to meet the needs of our animal feed and petfood industry customers and other stakeholders so that they could be confident of the quality and integrity of feed ingredients and additives being used in Australia. Our work includes advocating and promoting the safe use of feed ingredients and the interests of our 62 members and to cooperate with other stakeholders in the interests of the broader industry.
FAMI-QS
The FAMI-QS Code of Practice is an important part in the stewardship endeavours of our members. It is recognised that certification to the Code gives assurance of the quality of our members’ products. The Code is based on international best practice. It succeeds through insistence on:
- Management responsibility & Compliance with AgVet regulations
- Resource management & Traceability of supply
- Product and component standards
- Quality document systems
Over the last three years, FIAAA has been implementing the FAMI-QS system. You cannot be an FIAAA member without it. It was a decision of the members and one that will keep them in good stead for the years to come. FAMI-QS and the FIAAA have signed a strategic agreement of cooperation for the adoption of the FAMI-QS Code in the region of Australia-New Zealand and Oceania. During this period, 32 members have gained their certification and we have another 19 members working towards it.
See additional work, set out below, undertaken in conjunction with the SFMCA.
For further information on the FIAAA please visit www.fiaaa.com.au
Stock Feed Manufacturers’ Council of Australia (SFMCA)
The SFMCA is the national industry association representing 283 corporate and individual manufacturers of stock feed and their supply chain associates located throughout Australia. The association operates within five state-based branches where members meet to address industry specific issues. Together, SFMCA’s membership represents 95% of commercial feed manufactured in Australia. From the association’s inception, it has played an active role in addressing national industry issues, many of these relating to raw material ingredient supply, quality standards, Federal and state government legislation and regulations.
FeedSafe
The SFMCA operates FeedSafe® as the Integrity Accreditation Program for the Australian stock feed industry. It is third party audited and works in a co-regulatory manner with the Australian governments.
All full (active manufacturer) members of the SFMCA are required to comply with FeedSafe® to retain their Association membership. The central aspect of FeedSafe® is a Code of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), which has been developed in conjunction with the Chief Veterinary Officers within each State, and the final document has Primary Industries Ministerial Council endorsement.
FeedSafe® requires feed manufacturers to meet minimum standards in relation to:
- Premises and mill buildings
- Personnel training and qualifications
- Plant and equipment
- Raw material sourcing and purchasing
- Raw material quality and storage
- Feed formulation and manufacturing
- Product labelling
- Loading, transport and delivery to clients
- Product inspection, sampling and testing
- Customer complaint investigation
There are presently 137 accredited (and provisional) members located over 188 sites that produce 95% of the feed manufactured in Australia.
For further information on the SFMCA please visit www.sfmca.com.au
Combined Work of FIAAA and SFMCA
The last 12 months has seen the FIAAA and SFMCA work closely together on many projects and issues of mutual benefit. Programs of note include:
Australasian Milling Conference (AMC)
A major activity of the industry calendar is the biennial AMC held in conjunction with the Poultry Information Exchange (PIX). Both invited international and local speakers address current issues and the outlook for the feed supply chain. AMC is known to be the major Australasian conference for milling and livestock production in Australia. In May 2022 we had more than 450 registrants (and another 640 registrants for PIX) and some 240 exhibition sites.
Antimicrobial Resistance Stewardship Program
A major issue confronting the feed industry is how to deal with the minimisation of antibiotic use in livestock and human health. The development and subsequent implementation of a Stewardship program will go a long way to assisting industry take responsibility, review progress against targets, reduce use, refine and improve plans and replace antibiotics without compromising health and wellbeing. The Australian feed industry is working closely with Governments and livestock industries to ensure Australia can avoid resistency issues in Australia and maintain a commitment amongst its members.
National Feed Standards
These Standards will form the backbone of Australia’s co-regulation of the feed and additives industry. Having been drafted and reviewed over the last few years the Australian Governments and industry have started the final push to finalise and legislate for the introduction of the Standards. This will ensure consistent legislative oversight across eight jurisdictions. It will also enable to regulate the import of feedstuffs more strongly.
Sustainability Framework
The Members having endorsed the development of a Sustainability Framework for the industry continue to work towards its finalisation. Industry is presently finalising its priorities and can assist other sectors meet their goals whether they are suppliers or customers.
Collaboration along the Supply Chain
The FIAAA and SFMCA work closely together leveraging against each other to ensure a harmonised approach to the issues faced by the production chain. Additionally, we also work closely with Australian Association of Ruminant Nutritionists, Australian Technical Millers Association, Australian Renderers Association and Pet Food Industry Association of Australia as well as Australian state and Federal Governments. Without this level of collaboration major projects cannot be achieved in an effective manner. It’s always a pleasure to work with these organisations and kick some goals.
In addition, we also have very strong relationships with the Australian Governments that have provided a strong ability to achieve the transparent co-regulatory system that Australia has been working on for the last seven to ten years.