New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme Standard

Purpose

Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) the New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme (NZFAP) is the foundation upon which the collective red meat and wool industries can deliver an authentic and independently verified best-practice animal raising and production assurance standard to our international consumers. Today’s modern meat consumer is asking where has this product come from? How was it raised? Is it safe for my family to eat? Red meat produced under this programme comes with assurances in terms of integrity, origin, traceability, biosecurity, environmental sustainability and animal health and welfare, all essential ingredients when it comes to maximising product returns and meeting the expectations of our diverse International consumer audience.

Scope

The NZFAP covers the foundation on-farm audit and certification of sheep, beef and deer production. With optional questions on the ASD individual meat exporters can still establish additional standards as per their individual business models and customer expectations.

Aspirations

All New Zealand red meat farmers should aspire to achieve and be NZFAP accredited. All New Zealand meat exporting companies should adopt the foundation standard. The New Zealand red meat industry will have a single NZFAP that harmonises standards, eliminates duplication and provides New Zealand representatives a stronger negotiating position in regards to OMARs (Overseas Market Access Requirements) and global market access for New Zealand red meat production.

Farmer Handbook

The Farmer Handbook is a document created to be read in conjunction with this standard to assist farmers and their staff with preparation for audit day. It provides key information about the audit purpose and process and also contains a valuable reference section to aid in understanding the necessity for certain on-farm practices.