REVIEW A QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM – AHCWRK501A
CONTENTS
01 About yourself 03
02 Trouble with website links 03
03 How are these materials used 03
04 What are these learning materials about 04
05 Employability skills 05
06 Unit descriptor and how the unit applies to your workplace 05
07 Determine quality assurance objectives for the enterprise 05
08 Plan the quality assurance program and develop implementation strategies 18
09 Implement the quality assurance program 32
10 Review the quality assurance program 43
11 Summary of key innovations/opportunities as a result of adopting these skills 49
12 Bibliography and source material 50
13 Being confident about your skill levels 52
14 Assessment 53
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Bridging the Gap between Chemical and Organic Food and Fibre Production.
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Activity I Fact I Website
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ABOUT YOURSELFPlease fill in your details below and save this PDF to your files.
Name Phone Email
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TROUBLE WITH WEBSITE LINKSSometimes you may click on a web link and the site will say it is not available. Please revisit the site when you are next working on your resource materials as web sites are sometimes “off line” for maintenance reasons.
If you are consistently unable to access a site you are free to answer any associated workbook activity or assessment question by searching for and finding an alternative site that you feel is applicable. PLEASE INCLUDE THE LINK IN YOUR ANSWERS so we know where to look to check your information.
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HOW ARE THESE MATERIALS USEDThe workbook has a strong focus on the self- directed application of knowledge. Completing this workbook and all formative assessments will thoroughly prepare you for your summative assessment. On successful completion of appropriate summative assessments provided by your Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you will achieve competency in this unit.
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WHAT ARE THESE LEARNING MATERIALS ABOUTThis workbook describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, implement and review a quality assurance program for an agricultural or horticultural enterprise. The workbook has a particular focus on the opportunity for quality assurance in food and fibre production systems with an effort to reduce chemical usage and defines the standard required to:
• define product quality standards based on the needs of the customer
• determine quality assurance objectives for the enterprise
• develop and implement procedures for quality assurance
• maintain required records to support quality assurance
• review the quality assurance program
The workbook has a strong focus on the self-directed application of knowledge with substantial depth in the areas of market projections and customer requirements, cost/benefit of quality assurance implementation, system analysis, enterprise culture and values, leadership and administrative skills, human resource induction and performance monitoring practices.
The workbook has a particular focus on the opportunity for quality assurance in food and
fibre production systems.
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EMPLOYABILITY SKILLSThe workbook provides an opportunity to develop and apply employability skills that are learnt throughout work and life, to your job.
The statements below list the typical employability skills that would be applied in a situation related to plan, implement and review a quality assurance program for an agricultural or horticultural
enterprise.
In completing your daily work tasks, activities and summative assessments related to this unit of competence, you must be able to demonstrate that you are applying the “employability skills” listed below to this competency.
• Communication skills
• Identify and accurately report problems
• Organisational skills
• Teamwork skills
• Technological skills
• Use mathematical ideas and techniques
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UNIT DESCRIPTOR AND HOW THE UNIT APPLIES TO YOUR WORKPLACEThis unit of competency covers the process of planning, implementing and reviewing a
Quality assurance programs are likely to include planned and systematic production processes that provide confidence in the suitability of a product or service for an intended purpose. The processes are encouraged to have an increasing focus on reduced or nil chemical use and increased food safety.
Market requirements may include:
• trends and directions from regional, domestic and overseas markets, chemical free
production, guaranteed food safety
Industry quality assurance programs may include:
• programs developed by industry organisations and marketing authorities, processors,
wholesalers/retailers and other stakeholders
• a few examples include Cattlecare, Flockcare, Freshcare, Graincare and Proven Perfect
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DETERMINE QUALITYASSURANCE OBJECTIVES FOR THE ENTERPRISE
Future market requirements for quality assured products are assessed
Australia has a reputation for supplying clean and natural products with low chemical residues, however the consumer is demanding increasingly higher levels of assurance related to food safety and quality. To maintain our current status, strict standards and regulations are applied and enforced along the supply chain. Excellent research and development facilities, both public and private, assist in the innovation process by facilitating development of new and differentiated
As you can see from the web link food and
beverage is a major industry sector for the Australian economy, in terms of both its financial contribution and employment. Food and beverage processing is Australia’s largest manufacturing industry with sales exceeding A$70 billion and accounting for around 18 per cent of manufacturing employment. Industry players are diverse in size – from multinationals producing large volume fast-moving consumer goods through to smaller players with flexibility to meet demand for niche gourmet items.
In addition Australia is able to produce a diverse range of products due to large climatic differences across the Australian continent, from the tropical north to the temperate south. Australia also has a counter seasonal advantage when supplying international markets in the northern hemisphere.
Also, right across the supply chain, the Australian food and beverage industry has adopted innovative manufacturing, packaging, product development and marketing efforts with the opportunity for further
These basic advantages immediately mean that the range of opportunities and innovations that could be introduced to a food production and/
or manufacturing system are significant. It is important that any small business does not get lost in the opportunities and so it is critical to complete accurate research in the first instance to define realistic, measurable and achievable objectives.
Activities
Throughout this unit you will complete a variety of activities. Each of the activities will ensure you thoroughly research all aspects of a quality assurance program for your business or part of your business. Activities are divided into a logical sequence and will include tasks that will:
• determine quality assurance objectives for the enterprise or business
• plan the quality assurance program and develop implementation strategies
• implement the quality assurance program
Australia is able to produce a diverse range of products due to large climatic differences across the Australian continent
Activity 1
Determine quality assurance objectives for the enterprise or business.
Start your initial research and select appropriate quality assurance measures for your production systems, business or industry sector. Remember that in any one business it is quite probable that a variation of QA programs will occur to ensure measures are specific and appropriate to an enterprise or product. Summarise your findings by completing the table below. Remember to look at the bibliography and source material at the end of this workbook to get you started in your research. It is also important to include your sources so we can check your information. It is intended that you will complete all categories in this table as you progress through this section. However for this activity complete the non-shaded sections only.
What is your business
Enterprise or production system
Objectives required from the QA program for this enterprise
Intended market as a result of the QA program for this enterprise
Risks in adopting the program for this enterprise
Opportunities in adopting the program for this enterprise
Your web links and information sources
You have now identified the enterprises in your business that you think will benefit from a quality assurance program. You have also determined the specific objectives that you want from a quality assurance program.
Now you need to thoroughly research the market potential, risks and opportunities as a result of implementing the quality assurance program.
TRAPS – The internet has enabled us to source a vast range of facts, figures and information to help you make choices. The important thing is….don’t get bogged down in information overload….be very ruthless in considering only the information and facts that are appropriate to your business and your enterprise. It is also critical that you search equally for the risks and negative aspects of any proposed program. Ignoring the “bad data” and concentrating only on the good is a very real problem when people are excited about a new opportunity.
The extracts below are taken directly from the identified source. They are not included as recommendations or as suggestions related to risks and opportunities. They are simply provided to help your thinking process and get you started researching in appropriate areas according to your particular business or enterprises.
Extracts of opportunities
DAFF Australian Food Statistics 2007 published in May 2008
Consumer demands and trends are increasingly for more convenient, healthier, fresher, less processed foods, with minimal storage time. By developing new food processing, separation and packaging technologies and innovations, Australia is staying at the forefront of the food industry worldwide.
Australia is a reliable supplier of high quality raw
companies, including Nestle, Unilever, Associated British Foods, DSM, Danisco, Parmalat, Mars, McCains, Simplot, and Hakubaku have a presence in Australia, many of them for decades.
Australia’s excellent environmentally sustainable safety credentials, as well as its disease-free status, are also backed by a strong regulatory framework, and innovations in traceability, quality assurance and supply chains. These attributes are considered by international analysts to be important factors in the industry’s future export success.
Companies providing value-added products in food processing are supported by Australia’s strong, export focused, agricultural industry, particularly in areas such as:
• The dairy industry (e.g. innovative companies focusing on extraction and purification of proteins, peptides and colostrum from milk).
• Wine (a sector that has demonstrated both strong leadership with its 2020 Strategy and an ability to take up innovative technology).
• The brewing industry (which also has a strong focus on innovation).
• The sugar industry, through the Cooperative Research Centre for Sugar Innovation through biotechnology (developing new wellness food products including healthy fibres from bagasse).
• The meat industry through work supported by Meat and Livestock Australia.
The Centre for Food and Health Studies,
2006, The Key Emerging Functional Food Trends and Technologies in the International Market Julian Mellentin,
Functional foods are any foods that provide inherent health benefits as well as those fortified with concentrated ingredients, modified in a way that aims to promote health and wellbeing, grown chemical- free, improve performance or reduce the risk of disease. The market for intrinsically healthy foods has experienced remarkable growth and consumer interest in recent years. Companies are increasingly focusing on everyday foodstuffs, particularly whole fruit and fruit juices, which carry the ‘naturally healthy’
message. Berries (high antioxidant content), oats, whole grains, almonds, peanuts (all heart health), herbs/spices and orange juice (reduces risk of stroke) are examples of foods that have been successfully marketed for their intrinsic healthfulness.
Australians are becoming increasingly health conscious and interested in functional foods as a way of managing health concerns such as weight and high cholesterol. Australia has an ageing population, which is contributing to the rising interest in functional foods.
With Australia’s profile of food production, processing and export, the opportunities for sourcing healthy foods, nutritional components and functional food development are extensive. Primary products such as grains, dairy, fruit, vegetables, meat and fish all have the potential to capitalise on their intrinsic nutritional
Since 2000, the Australian organic industry has more than doubled in value, recording over A$400 million in retail sales in 2006. From 2002 to 2006 the number of certified organic processors increased by 19 per cent; currently there are over 2,500 organic operators representing all levels of the supply chain.
The most important sectors are beef and horticulture which experienced significant growth in 2006 (25 per cent and 30 per cent respectively).
Risks must be considered as well as opportunities
Strong competition to Australian produce in international markets is expected to grow further, particularly from other southern hemisphere nations. The strong Australian dollar continues to hamper the competitiveness of products in world markets, and at the same time supports the competitiveness of imported products in the Australian market.
Climate variability is predicted to have a significant impact on southern Australia. Implications for the food industries include changes in frost frequency and severity which may result in lower yields and reduced quality.
The risk of crop failures due to more variable/
Since 2000, the Australian organic industry has more than doubled in value
Activity 2
Determine quality assurance objectives for the enterprise or business.
You have already completed 2 sections on this table. After looking at the data extracts on the previous page, the bibliography and source material at the end of this workbook as well as completing your own research, you are required to complete the final 3 columns related to intended markets, risks and opportunities. Please make sure you also update the web links and sources of information. Transfer the information from activity 1 so the table below is complete.
Enterprise or production system
Objectives required From the QA program for this enterprise
Intended market as a result of the QA program for this enterprise
Risks in adopting the program for this enterprise
Opportunities in adopting the program for this enterprise
Your web links and information sources
Premiums for quality assurance / organic products are determined
It is a fact of business management that the cost of production needs to be completely recovered, plus a profit margin added for a business to thrive and grow. The cost of production is definitely impacted upon by the production systems or methods used. As the agricultural industries have needed to become more competitive in world markets, costs of production have been continuously and carefully analysed to find production efficiencies.
Production costs need to be as low as possible without impacting on the ability to produce high quality and high yields. In assessing production inputs it is often the cost of labour, machinery, fuel and management systems that combine to create the greatest costs. Ways to reduce input costs has been one of the biggest reasons for the increasing use of chemicals and the reluctance to implement quality assured systems.
However, farmers and food producers are now facing new demands of their food and fibre
products. The consumer is increasingly insistent on knowing that the products they are eating, using or wearing are “sustainable, clean, green, not harming the environment, people or animals in the
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The dilemma for the farmer is accurately
calculating the best options to minimise input costs while still achieving financially sustainable yields.
The following statements are extracts provided to help you consider issues and think about ideas as you consider the premiums that would need to be achieved for products that are quality assured and/
or organic.
Environment and
Natural Resources Service Sustainable Development Department; Organic Agriculture, Environment and Food Security; FAO; 2002
www.fao.org/docrep/005/y4137e/y4137e01.htm Most consumers in developed countries will pay a premium for organic, but only to a point. As the
Farmers and food
producers are facing new demands of their food and fibre products.
Long-term high premiums often reflect severe production problems related to chronic endemic pests and diseases that cannot be managed effectively by existing biological and cultural techniques. On the other hand, situations where organic production costs are as low as, or lower than, conventional production will frequently see little or no organic price premium received by farmers.
Premiums must compensate farmers for skilled resource management; higher labour costs, unit costs, and handling expenses; and administrative, inspection, and certification fees.
Many reasons contribute to the additional costs to market organic and/or quality assured products such as inspection and certification fees, segregated storage, fewer options to control post- harvest pests and diseases etc.
To date, consumers in industrialised countries have been willing to pay a premium for organic food because they perceive environmental, health, or other benefits from that choice. However while surveys show that consumer demand is unmet, organic farmers also report insufficient demand for their products. Clearly there is an anomaly in this statement that must be carefully investigated to ensure appropriate decisions are made.
So it is easy to see why quality assured products are likely to be more expensive in the retail market.
• Production methods are often more labour-intensive.
• If the quality assurance system requires organic or biological production then the yields are often below those of comparable conventional products.
• Additionally, quality assured products normally require dedicated processing, storage, handling and distribution chains, which can increase costs.
However it is an important issue to determine if the premiums in the retail sector are also translated to premiums in the production sector.
Activity 3
In Activity 1 and 2 above you have already documented:
• The objectives you expect to achieve from a QA system
• The intended market opportunities as a result of implementing a QA system
• The risks in adopting a system
• The opportunities identified in adopting a QA system.
You are now required to research and carefully list all of the areas where your cost of production will increase, where yields may be impacted and where a premium price must be achieved to warrant introduction of a system.
Product List where you consider cost of
production will increase List impact on yields if a
system is implemented What is the estimated % price increase required to justify introduction of a QA system?
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Strategic benefits of a quality assurance program are assessed
Any quality assurance program must have demonstrated benefits for the producer as well as clearly defined expectations and standards that can be followed to enable documented and auditable work procedures. Individual businesses are able to determine the key principles that are essential to their standards. However it is very easy to become bogged down in the process of developing procedures for a QA program. As such, a standard or certification process already developed by industry and recognised/accepted by the consumer is likely to be more appropriate.
Often these industry standards will incorporate the International Organisation for Standardisation, ISO 9000 Quality Management in part or entirely.
A summary of the ISO 9000 Quality Management standard is provided below:
www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/management_
and_leadership_standards/quality_management/
qmp/qmp-1.htm
Principle 1: Customer focus
Organisations depend on their customers and therefore should understand current and future customer needs, should meet customer requirements and strive to exceed customer expectations.
Key benefits:
• Increased revenue and market share obtained through flexible and fast responses to market opportunities.
• Increased effectiveness in the use of the organisation’s resources to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Improved customer loyalty leading to repeat business.
Principle 2: Leadership
Leaders establish unity of purpose and direction of the organisation. They should create and maintain the internal environment in which people can become fully involved in achieving the organisation’s objectives.
Key benefits:
• People will understand and be motivated towards the organisation’s goals and objectives.
• Activities are evaluated, aligned and implemented in a unified way.
• Miscommunication between levels of an organisation will be minimised.
Principle 3: Involvement of people People at all levels are the essence of an
organisation and their full involvement enables their abilities to be used for the organisation’s benefit.
Key benefits:
• Motivated, committed and involved people within the organisation.
• Innovation and creativity in furthering the organisation’s objectives.
• People being accountable for their own performance.
• People eager to participate in and contribute to continual improvement.
Principle 4: Process approach
A desired result is achieved more efficiently when activities and related resources are managed as a process.
Key benefits:
• Lower costs and shorter cycle times through effective use of resources.
• Improved, consistent and predictable results.
• Focused and prioritised improvement opportunities.
Principle 5: System approach to management Identifying, understanding and managing
interrelated processes as a system, contributes to the organisation’s effectiveness and efficiency in achieving its objectives.
Key benefits:
• Integration and alignment of the processes that will best achieve the desired results.
• Ability to focus effort on the key processes.
• Providing confidence to interested parties as to the consistency, effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation.
Principle 6: Continual improvement
Continual improvement of the organisation’s overall performance should be a permanent objective of the organisation.
Key benefits:
• Performance advantage through improved organisational capabilities.
• Alignment of improvement activities at all levels to an organisation’s strategic intent.
• Flexibility to react quickly to opportunities.
Principle 7: Factual approach to decision making
Effective decisions are based on the analysis of data and information.
Key benefits:
• Informed decisions.
• An increased ability to demonstrate the effectiveness of past decisions through reference to factual records.
• Increased ability to review, challenge and change opinions and decisions.
Principle 8: Mutually beneficial supplier relationships
An organisation and its suppliers are interdependent, and a mutually beneficial relationship enhances the ability of both to create value.
Key benefits:
• Increased ability to create value for both parties.
• Flexibility and speed of joint responses to changing market or customer needs and expectations.
• Optimisation of costs and resources.
Effective decisions are based on the analysis of data and information.
As previously stated a quality assurance system does not necessarily incorporate the full ISO standard. However, for any system to be endorsed and for it to create a “marketable difference,” the system must be transparent, documented and measurable.
The following extracts, web links and videos from 4 different sectors of primary industries are also useful to study as you increase your knowledge related to QA systems and their potential benefits for your production system.
Industry Topic Link
Dairy Overview of Australian Dairy
Industry, QA and Food Safety. www.youtube.com/
watch?v=AkBXIRp3SjE
Meat and Livestock Australia LPA On Farm Quality
Assurance Manual incorporating Cattlecare and Flockcare
www.mla.com.au/Meat-safety-and- traceability/On-farm-assurance/
AgriSure
Pig Industry APIQ; Fact Sheet –
On Farm Quality Assurance,
Information For Pig Producers www.APIQ.com.au
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines
Authority (APVMA) How to Comply with The Law www.apvma.gov.au/compliance/
how_to_comply.php
All of the systems listed above discuss similar benefits if a quality assurance system is implemented. However every producer must make their own judgements related to perceived or actual benefits. Benefits that are consistently discussed are:
• Improved product consistency.
• Improved risk management.
• Greater professionalism e.g. better record keeping, better staff training, clearly defined areas of responsibility and awareness of the customer requirements for product quality.
• International recognition and market access.
• Product differentiation – producers are able to sell a branded product identified by logos e.g. Cattlecare and/
or Flockcare. This may result in marketing opportunities as the industry moves towards a multitude of product brands, encompassing a wide variety of quality attributes from paddock to plate. It may also assist the development of strategic alliances between producers, processors and consumers.
• Industry best practice – a QA program verifies a producer’s compliance with market and regulatory requirements and industry standards.
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Activity 4
List the strategic benefits that you believe will be achieved if a quality assurance program is implemented in your business. Specifically identify:
• The product/s
• The QA system
• The benefits
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PLAN THE QUALITY ASSURANCEPROGRAM AND DEVELOP IMPLEMENTATION
STRATEGIES
Product quality standards are defined It is not possible to plan a quality assurance program or develop implementation strategies unless product quality standards are defined. A quality assurance program is all about measuring produce quality and workplace outcomes to meet a defined standard.
The following information is provided to help you determine what quality standards are applicable to your production system and produce. The links will also help you to get started in using web searches for information applicable to your specific business needs. The information is not an exhaustive list nor is it a recommendation of any system or standards.
It is merely a list of suggested information sources that should help you further refine your thinking and expectations in these often confusing and complicated areas.
Remember that this workbook is designed to help you and your business. You will achieve the maximum benefit if you tackle the activities as a job that is important and useful to your business rather than just an assessment activity to be completed as quickly as possible. All of the activities from now on SHOULD be considered as serious research applicable to the decision, “Is a QA system beneficial to my business or not?”
Department of Primary Industries Victoria –
What is Organic Farming?
www.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farming- management/organic-farming/introduction- to-organics/organic-farming-standards-and- certification
Organic standards specify the minimum requirements for production, processing and labelling of food and fibre products that are to be marketed as ‘organic’ or ‘biodynamic’. They outline the practices and specify material inputs that are either allowed or prohibited from use on certified organic farms. Standards are available to the public, allowing consumers and others to easily determine what is meant by the terms ‘organic’ and
‘biodynamic’ in the marketplace.
In 2009, after considerable public and industry consultation, Standards Australia published the
‘Australian Standard: Organic and Biodynamic Products’. This new standard can be used to define, and protect the integrity of, organic produce in Australia’s domestic markets.
Organic standards and the principles they embody can be applied globally, but the details of how those principles are put into practice are largely site specific. It is up to each farmer to translate the principles and standards into practical on-ground management approaches that suit their farm with its particular crop, soil, water, climatic and environmental characteristics.
M.F. Piccone and C.J.
Bunt; Designing Effective Quality Systems for
Horticultural Businesses
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An effective quality system in any part of the horticultural supply chain should be designed to meet the needs and requirements of the customer(s), and must also make a valuable contribution to the business or organisation developing and implementing it.
A large number of Australian growers perceive quality systems as basically prescriptive i.e. ‘you must do it this way’ programs where the primary objective is producing a ‘top quality’ product aimed at high value markets. Product defects are defined and an
‘inspect and reject’, ‘quality control’ style regime is implemented. These perceptions have developed because many of the industry-based quality
assurance programs and training initiatives that have evolved in Australian horticulture in the last 10 years, have been designed with their primary focus on product standards and product maintenance, e.g.
grading of product to meet product specifications and prevention of spoilage, especially postharvest.
However, a more positive, commercial approach to quality management from the perspective of suppliers revolves around quality systems being used by growers, pack-houses, transporters, wholesalers etc. as an internal business
improvement tool, as well as a means of satisfying customer and regulatory requirements.
‘Well rounded’ quality systems are seen as having two main purposes:
• The first is to provide a systematic, objective way of finding out what customers really want in terms of the goods and services, created and supplied, ensuring this information is both complete and up-to-date.
• The second purpose follows on from the first in that an effective quality system ensures that the organisation(s) or marketing chain as a whole can deliver exactly what is expected, as cost- effectively and efficiently as possible.
Meat and Livestock Australia; LPA On Farm Quality Assurance Manual;
www.mla.com.au/Meat-safety-and-traceability/On- farm-assurance/AgriSure
The On-Farm Quality Assurance Standards are maintained by the LPA Standards and Accreditation Committee (LPASAC).
Individual producers cannot change requirements within the LPA QA Standards, however they are able to request changes via LPASAC. When changes to the Standards are introduced, accredited producers are advised of changes. They have a responsibility to update the existing Standards with the new version and implement changes.
The requirements for the LPA QA program, including each element, are detailed within the LPA QA Standards. Each element has a specified outcome which must be met in order to demonstrate that the requirements of the program are being met.
In addition to a stated outcome, each element has one or more performance indicators which represent the actual Standard to which a producer seeking to gain or maintain accreditation is assessed, to determine whether the designated outcome is being achieved.
APIQ; Fact Sheet –
On Farm Quality Assurance, Information For Pig Producers
www.APIQ.com.au
On-farm QA programs provide a set of standards for producers to meet in order to gain certification of the integrity of their on-farm production system. In most cases, on-farm QA programs involve the implementation of a management system and a food safety plan.
Being QA certified allows a producer to demonstrate compliance to a set of prescribed standards.
The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) requires all pork exporters to verify that the pork and pork offal they wish to export, meets domestic and importing country food safety requirements.
AQIS accepts that importing country requirements are met if the pigs from which the pork/offal was derived were accompanied by a PigPass National Vendor Declaration (PigPass NVD) and were sourced from a farm with a currently approved QA program, such as APIQ™. Similarly, some state food authorities also require that pigs must be accompanied by a valid PigPass NVD which means they were sourced from a farm with a current approved QA program, such as APIQ™.
Activity 5
In the previous activity you were required to list the strategic benefits that you believe would be achieved if a quality assurance program was implemented in your business. You were required to specifically identify:
• The product/s
• The QA system
• The benefits
You are now required to select a specific QA system and standards for your business. Whilst the system you select now may not be your final choice you need to become more specific to enable your research to become more focussed and applicable to your business.
List the products that will be grown/processed/marketed under your selected QA system.
What QA standards are the most appropriate to your needs and why?
What are the benefits of implementing this QA system?
What are the risks of implementing this system?
List your research/information sources that have been used in making your decision.
Current status of products and operations is audited
In order to select an appropriate QA system as well as efficiently plan the implementation of the system, you need to have a very clear picture of the current status of products and operations.
In other words, how can you determine new work procedures and standards if you are not able to honestly appraise how you are currently operating?
There are a number of publications that are useful in your research, which will clarify the level of detail required at this stage to achieve an honest appraisal of your current system, as well as allowing for an accurate starting point for implementing a new system.
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation,
“Should I Convert to Organic Farming” Aug 2005; pp 26-30.
Section 4 outlines the process of auditing current operations in preparation for organic certification.
www.rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/05-084
Meat and Livestock Australia; LPA On Farm Quality Assurance Manual;
www.mla.com.au/Meat-safety-and-traceability/On-farm-assurance/AgriSure
a number of publications that are useful in your research
Activity 6
Complete the following table making an honest appraisal of your current operating systems
Enterprise type Products Current records held to substantiate/audit/record the production system
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Industry quality assurance programs are evaluated and costed
If you have completed Activity 6 thoroughly, you could be feeling that changing your practices and implementing a QA system is too daunting. Now that you have a good idea as to current business practices, you should continue your research into QA programs that may be applicable to your business.
Look at as many sources as you can applicable to your produce. With each system you research, evaluate the benefits and costs of implementing the system to your business.
The following sources are provided to help start your research as it becomes more specific to your business. The information is not an exhaustive list nor is it a recommendation of any system or standards. It is merely a list of suggested information sources that should help you further refine your thinking.
Department of
Agriculture and Food – West Australian Government;
“Farming for the Future, Industry Best Practice and Guidelines”; Resource Management Technical Report; December 2008.
www.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/
imported_assets/content/sust/
f4findustrypracticebaselinejune09final.pdf This document provides a comprehensive review of quality assurance programs for the following industries:
• Grains • Sheep
Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA)
At the beginning of the Farming for the Future project, the national horticultural industry had begun to develop the Enviroveg self-assessment tool and Horticulture for Tomorrow guidelines for environmental assurance, using Australian Government NHT Pathways to Industry funding.
The Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) (including the Farming for the Future project) participated in the consultation and development of these resources and had begun to build its knowledge of assurance programs through the process.
NSW Farmer’s
Association; “Growing the Best – Submission to National Food Plan”;
Sep 2011; pp45-46.
http://www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_
file/0019/2152432/nsw-farmers-association.pdf While many consumers have a general
understanding of what the term “organic”
represents, there is scope for improved recognition of produce grown under an integrated pest
management (IPM) system, particularly by retailers.
One of the reasons farming businesses have adopted an IPM system is to address consumer demands for a reduction in chemical use.
Australasian Biological Control Inc. has an IPM accreditation scheme and logo.
Changes that are being implemented by Australian industries to their systems, in order to meet consumer demand, will often negatively affect the profitability of the enterprise. While consumers are making demands, they are not always willing to pay for these changes. Consumer perceptions are not always reflected in consumer behaviour.
There are concerns amongst primary producers that these changes are not recognised and they are competing against products imported from countries which have not been required to implement similar changes. This is a market failure, with consumers not understanding that imported products may be produced under standards that they do not believe are acceptable.
Another major burden to horticultural industries is that there are a number of individual food-safety and quality programs, with retailers each having their preferred and accepted programs. For example all growers, packers and wholesalers supplying Woolworths directly, must have Woolworths Quality Assurance. The on-farm assurance program for the Australian fresh produce industry, Freshcare, is not accepted for direct supply to Woolworths. However, it is accepted by Coles (with an additional Coles Supplier Checklist).
As a result, farming businesses supplying more than one retailer often have to be certified to more than one system, each requiring their own audit. Implementing one system, as well as its management, review and auditing, is not at an insignificant cost. To implement two systems may be too costly as well as creating real difficulties in maintaining procedures and keeping records for both systems. In these cases the end market has created a competition barrier for their suppliers as it is often just too hard for a grower to comply. In NSW farmers seek to have each food safety and quality system that is Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) based recognised by all retailers, so that farming businesses do not have to implement more than one system. Clearly this is a
• ISO (9000, 14000, 22000)
• HACCP
• Codex
• FlockCare
• CattleCare
• GrainCare
• FreshCare
• Better FarmIQ
• Australian Pork Industry QA Program
• Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
• Aus-Meat
• TruckCare
• Australian Government Authorised Halal
• Free Range Farmers Association Code of Practice
• National Saleyards Quality Assurance
• Meat Standards Australia Food Safety Program
• Meat Standards Australia – Livestock Production Assurance
• Meat Standards Australia – AgriSure
• Safe Quality Food Program
In addition to the QA system, ensuring compliance with food regulations and acceptable workplace practices, selected as appropriate to your business and products, it is likely that your management systems need to take into account contingency plans for potential crises such as product recall especially related to food safety.
Food Safety Programs that may be appropriate to meet regulatory requirements, retailer requirements or your own requirements may include:
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points)
• FSSC 22000
• ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Program
• BRC
• SQF
• GFSI – Global Food Safety Initiative
• Retailer programs like Coles, Woolworths and ALDI
• Southern Rock Lobster Seafood
• 2nd Party Audits against your own Standards
• National Heart Foundation – Australia
• Supply Chain Verification
• Certified Organic
Look at the website for SAIGlobal who are able to
Activity 7
The information and links provided on the previous page should have taken you quite a while to look through.
Remember that the better your research is now the better informed you are to make a decision and the better the outcome is likely to be.
In completing your research to make final selection of a QA system for your business you should be able to answer the following questions. As a precaution that you have completed your research correctly complete the activity below.
List the products that will be grown/processed/marketed under your selected QA system.
Your answer Caution/concerns/more research needed
If you will be supplying a particular processor or market, do they have a preferred certifier?
Your answer Caution/concerns/more research needed
How much has the whole certification process cost for farmers like you?
Your answer Caution/concerns/more research needed
Which certifiers are other farmers happy with?
Your answer Caution/concerns/more research needed
Which certifiers are well recognised in local and/or export markets?
Your answer Caution/concerns/more research needed
Which certifiers provide a timely and cost-effective service?
Your answer Caution/concerns/more research needed
Which certifiers use farm auditors who have a good understanding of your type of enterprise?
Which certifiers support farmers in other ways such as assisting with technical queries?
Your answer Caution/concerns/more research needed
What certification gives you access into the markets you need?
Your answer Caution/concerns/more research needed
What are the fees and charges for initial certification including inspection and residue tests?
Your answer Caution/concerns/more research needed
What is the annual fee/inspection cost for maintaining certification?
Your answer Caution/concerns/more research needed
Is support and information on markets and marketing of produce with this certification provided?
Your answer Caution/concerns/more research needed
Does the certifier have staff readily available to answer questions about certification issues?
Your answer Caution/concerns/more research needed
Required processes and practices are documented in the quality assurance program manual and an implementation plan is prepared
Activity 5 asked you to select a specific QA system for your business. Activity 6 and 7 should have further refined your thinking as we challenge the research information and make sure the selected system is appropriate. We are now assuming that you have selected your appropriate system. The remainder of this workbook is about preparation for and implementation of the system.
It is critical at this stage that you are properly prepared to implement your chosen system and this means having a detailed implementation plan. As a minimum starting point your implementation plan should:
• ensure you have accurate records of your current position
• have accessed all of the standards applicable to your QA system
• have accessed all of the legislation applicable to your QA system
Activity 8
Complete the activity with specific reference to documenting your QA implementation plan.
List each process/
practice that must be completed to achieve implementation
Who is responsible for completing the task?
What is the cost associated with the task?
What legislation or compliance requirements must be considered?
How is the practice measured to ensure correct implementation?
List each process/
practice that must be completed to achieve implementation
Who is responsible for completing the task?
What is the cost associated with the task?
What legislation or compliance requirements must be considered?
How is the practice measured to ensure correct implementation?
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9
IMPLEMENT THE QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAMInstructions are documented defining task and process requirements – Standard Operating Procedures
Every quality assurance program consists of “rules”
that are defined by Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Creating a Standard Operating Procedures Manual from scratch can be quite daunting as most owner/operators start with the information in their heads. Each farm will have its own way of doing things, partly because of the infrastructure and partly because of the management.
Many QA programs will provide you with SOPs but no existing system will fit all circumstances. The skill is to refine the SOPs that you are provided with to specifically suit your production system and business whilst still achieving compliance for the whole QA program.
Dairy Australia has created a very useful tool to support the development of a simple set of operating procedures to help farmers get started. It is useful to look at this tool as well as using search engines to find other SOP templates. Remember that there are 2 key criteria that must be met in
Look at the following tool from Diary Australia – 2012
www.thepeopleindairy.org.au/farm-policies- systems/farm-standard-operating-procedures.htm The (SOPs) are descriptions of the way particular tasks should be carried out on the farm. There is no set way that each process must be carried out across the industry, but the Generator tool allows you to create a simple document with a set of generic operating procedures including safety procedures to use as a starting point. From here you would be expected to refine the SOP’s to ensure they meet your own business requirements as well as still allowing for compliance in the whole QA system. SOP’s can be generated for:
• milk harvesting
• animal husbandry
• feed management and delivery
• pasture production and cropping
• plant equipment and infrastructure maintenance
• administration
Once the tool has been downloaded and installed onto your computer you can use it as often as you like.
The documents you can create with the Generator are:
APIQ Model Code Compliance Plan
The following example of a piggery standard operating procedure was emailed directly to Regional Skills Training Pty Ltd from APIQ.
Date Version No
Approved By
Purpose: To ensure that the piggery facilities and environment are suitable to maintain the welfare of pigs, and protect them from biological, physical or chemical hazards.
Also relates to APIQ™ Standards 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
Action and Person Responsible Record(s)
Owner Manager Staff Other (specify)
Facilities design and contingency planning
Appropriate facilities and structures are provided and maintained to
protect and shelter pigs from weather extremes, pests and predators. Piggery Plan Pig accommodation is designed to provide at least the minimum space
requirements outlined in the Appendix III of the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals – Pigs (3rd Edition, 2007) and to protect pigs from injuries as much as practically possible.
Model Code Compliance Plan (SOP17)
Contingency arrangements are in place in case of power failures or failures of automated temperature and ventilation control equipment including:
outline arrangements in place, for example, a standby generator.
Daily Checklists/Diary
For deep bedding systems: Adequate supplies of fresh bedding are provided and a procedure is in place to ensure bedding does not contain unacceptable levels of chemical residues.
Vendor Declarations (SOP16)
For pigs kept outdoors: Pigs are not able to access areas which contain, or are likely to contain, contaminated soil that may cause chemical contamination in pigs or pork.
Soil test results (SOP15)
