This week BMPA has written to Defra Secretary of State Emma Reynolds to raise concerns about the future of livestock traceability across Great Britain.

In the letter, Chief Executive Nick Allen warns that the development of separate livestock movement recording systems in England, Scotland and Wales could undermine what has historically been a unified traceability framework. It’s fraught with unintended consequences and will undermine animal traceability in the UK.

For meat processors, and the farmers who supply them, reliable livestock traceability is critical. It underpins animal disease control, food safety, consumer confidence and international trade.

BMPA’s concern is that if the devolved administrations pursue significantly different traceability platforms or data standards, it could create duplication, inconsistencies and delays in accessing vital information. Given that animals are often born, reared and slaughtered in different parts of Great Britain, a fragmented system could add unnecessary administrative burden for farmers, livestock markets, hauliers and processors alike.

BMPA is therefore urging the UK Government and devolved administrations to ensure that any modernisation of traceability systems maintains full compatibility across Great Britain.

At a minimum, we argue that this will require common data standards, seamless data sharing and a coordinated approach to recording livestock movements, so the industry can continue operating within a single, reliable traceability framework.

We have stressed to the Minister that maintaining that cohesion is essential not only for the efficient functioning of the GB livestock supply chain but also for protecting disease response capability and safeguarding export markets.

Read the full letter (PDF)