Our background
The National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS) was first initiated in 1994 by the Australian Lot Feeders' Association (ALFA). The NFAS is owned and managed by AUS-MEAT Limited (AUS-MEAT) on behalf of the lotfeeding industry, through the Feedlot Industry Accreditation Committee.
The NFAS program underpins the integrity of the Australian lotfeeding industry, being a sector for which the integrity of product, food safety, animal welfare and environmental responsibilities have, since inception, been recognised as being foundational to the long-term success of the program, lotfeeders, the broader community and customers alike.
The NFAS was the first agricultural quality assurance program in Australia. The operational model of the NFAS is often referenced as an example of the “default standard” by which industry programs can be operated and delivered.
The NFAS Standards focus on the five (5) key areas of Quality Management, Food Safety Management, Livestock Management, Environmental Management and Product Integrity.
The specific requirements are defined within the Modules that address these key areas. Each Module comprises of one (1) or more Elements, which in turn prescribe the Outcomes and associated Performance Measures required to comply and maintain certification in the Scheme.
In line with quality management principles, the NFAS Rules and Standards have evolved (and continue to evolve) to ensure the NFAS continues to meet the evolving expectations of all stakeholders. As part of this process, the NFAS undergoes a formal independent review on a five-yearly basis. The recommendations arising from these reviews in turn form the focus of enhancement of the program in future years.
The sourcing of cattle from NFAS Accredited Feedlots is a prerequisite for beef processed in AUS-MEAT Accredited Processing Establishments being eligible to be traded and marketed in accordance with the Minimum Requirements for Grain Fed (GF), Grain Fed Young Beef (GFYG) or Grain Fed Finished (GFF) beef as defined within the Australian Meat Industry Classification System (AUS-MEAT Language).
How can you participate
All Australian feedlots are eligible to participate in NFAS, with the primary prerequisite for participation being that the feedlot operation has the relevant approvals/licences in place (as issued by the local or State Authority).
Thereafter, feedlots are required to develop a documented Quality Manual that prescribe the suite of policies, procedures and work instructions that are in place to meet the requirements of the NFAS. This Quality Manual forms the basis for the independent audit which is required at the time of initial accreditation and annually thereafter.
In addition to the annual site audit, participants also pay an annual Accreditation Fee that contributes to the administration of the program. This fee is based on the constructed capacity of the feedlot.
Feedlot auditing
NFAS Accredited feedlots are audited annually by AUS-MEAT Limited at a socialized rate which is based on actual audit time including any off-site reporting time.
Audit duration varies depending on a number of factors. These factors include but are not limited to the preparedness of the auditee and the size of feedlot. The audit process consists of an entry meeting, whole of feedlot inspection, documentation review, report writing (can be completed off site) and the exit meeting.
Witness Audits are a routine component of ongoing Auditor calibration.
Calibration and Training sessions are held at least once per annum to provide Auditors with updates on program activities and trends.
The nuts and bolts
There are three critical administration components to NFAS
AUS-MEAT administers the scheme through the Feedlot Industry Accreditation Committee (FLIAC).
The purpose of FLIAC is to develop and oversight the operation of NFAS.
FLIAC comprises of State Government representatives from the major lotfeeding States along with representatives from AUS-MEAT and ALFA. Current State representation includes:
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI)
- Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)
- Agriculture Victoria, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions
- Western Australian Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD)
The scope of responsibilities of FLIAC is to:
- Manage the NFAS;
- ensure the effective operation of the NFAS by recommending changes to it;
- assesses recommendations from AUS-MEAT on the accreditation status of individual feedlots;
- make recommendations to the AUS-MEAT Committee on the outcomes of appeals from Feedlots relevant to their Accreditation status; and
- report to the wider community on the status of the Australian feedlot industry based on objective information generated from monitoring of the scheme.
AUS-MEAT is one of Australia leading providers of agribusiness auditing, certification and training services. AUS-MEAT has been in associated with the NFAS since the formation of FLIAC some 30 years ago.
AUS-MEAT’s primary role with NFAS is the provision of administration and management of the Scheme as well as the operational delivery of auditing services to program participants. AUS-MEAT’s network of skilled Auditors are based in all major lotfeeding States in Australia.
ALFA is the peak national body for the Australian cattle feedlot industry.
Whilst ALFA has two representatives on the seven member Feedlot Industry Accreditation Committee (FLIAC) that oversees NFAS, it does not own, operate or manage the program. This is undertaken by AUS-MEAT on behalf of the cattle lot feeding industry. Moreover, NFAS Accreditation is not synonymous with ALFA membership.
Therefore, lot feeders who are NFAS Accredited need to separately become an ALFA member to receive the benefits that membership provides, which in addition to the above, includes discounts to its conferences and workshops. Please visit ALFA’s website for more details.
To ensure the Australian beef feedlot industry demonstrates a responsive feedlot management program for continual improvement, particularly in relation to cattle welfare and the environment, whilst guaranteeing the safety and integrity of grain fed beef.
To provide a Quality System for beef feedlots:
- that will impact positively on product integrity, quality and acceptability; and
- for which lot feeders maintain responsibility.