A TASKFORCE with joint beef producer and processor representation has been set up to oversee the commercialisation and adoption of objective carcase measurement technology in abattoirs.
It will deal initially with DEXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) and then subsequent objective measurement solutions, including around eating quality.
Australia’s red meat peak councils representing both producers and processors have given their support to the introduction of objective measurement across industry, including the adoption of DEXA technology to provide a single scientific measurement of lean meat yield.
The endorsement followed a briefing and progress report on the roll out of DEXA technology organised by MLA for processors and industry representatives last week.
The peak industry councils and processors endorsed further work on MLA’s proposal to rollout DEXA in all Aus-Meat registered processing plants on a voluntary basis, including costings and installation requirements within individual facilities.
This work will allow industry and processors to consider the most appropriate funding model to deliver an industry-wide rollout, which may include levy funds from producers and processors, funds from individual processors and the potential for matching Australian Government research dollars.
The new taskforce will be chaired by Gary Burridge and include a representative of each peak industry council, a representative from Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and the Australian Meat Processing Corporation (AMPC), as well as a representatives from both AMIC and other processors and Graham Gardner from Murdoch University.
This collaborative approach to deliver objective measurement systems, including DEXA, is consistent with recent analyses of the technology, including a report from financial services firm EY for AMPC.
The adoption of objective measurement systems is also a key objective within the Meat Industry Strategic Plan (MISP 2020), which notes its potential to transform the red meat industry by improving efficiency. Multiple agencies and other reports have recommended the industry adopt objective measurement systems, including the ACCC in its Cattle and Beef Market Study released in March 2017.
The taskforce will hold its first meeting in the coming month.