New LPA question on renewables targets wind, solar graziers

Changes to the Livestock Production Assurance program have left farmers concerned, as grazing under renewable energy infrastructure is targeted.

Changes made to the LPA system mean farmers who graze livestock under solar panels have an obligation to mitigate risks associated with it.

Farmers who graze livestock under solar panels, wind turbines or other renewable energy infrastructure must now declare it under the national on-farm assurance program.

The change to the Livestock Production Assurance program, quietly introduced in September, has prompted concern among producers of its potential consequences.

Under Meat and Livestock Australia’s Integrity Systems Company’s LPA process, farmers must now identify any chemical or physical contamination risks to livestock from equipment or infrastructure that may be degrading with age. Electrical transformers, coal seam gas structures, solar panels, wind turbines are cited as examples.

An ISC spokesman said while it was safe for livestock to graze in a paddock which also contained solar panels, and there was no prohibition or restriction on having items like solar panels on a property, producers needed to be aware of the potential risk of contamination as solar panels degraded as they reached end of life.

The ISC said the updated guidelines were designed for producers to identify potential risks and consider any risk mitigation that may be required.

East Gippsland sheep farmer Mark Norling’s grazing property is located next door to the proposed Bairnsdale Solar Farm, and was seriously concerned about the potential ramifications of the new LPA question, and how it could affect his business which runs 5000 crossbred ewes and lambs.

“I have tried to get answers from Agriculture Victoria about this but no one can answer my questions,” Mr Norling said.

“What happens if we can’t get LPA accreditation because of the solar farm next door or because there has been toxic seepage or contamination?

“How can I sell my lambs? No one will want my meat. These things aren’t being taken into consideration by developers or planning departments.”

VFF livestock group president Scott Young said the issue had been raised “by a lot of producers in the past two weeks”.

“We have been in touch with the renewable companies to get an understanding of the situation,” Mr Young said.

“We’ve also been in touch with ISC and other state farming organsations to get a greater understanding of what’s happening.

“Renewables are being rolled out right across Australia and we need to ensure that farmers are not negatively affected and there is no effect on grazing enterprises.”

An MLA spokesman said whether or not farmers could still sell their stock in the event of a contamination scare would depend on the specific issue.

“LPA does not dictate whether producers can or cannot sell,” the spokesman said.

“The LPA NVD (National Vendor Declaration) is there for them to communicate any risk as the livestock leave the property - the specifics of each consignment will depend on the buyer of the livestock, and if it’s occurred, the specifics of the contamination.”

LPA Standard 1.3 required that potentially exposed animals should be identified and managed in a manner to minimise the risk of contamination of meat intended for human consumption in accordance with relevant legal requirements.

“This means if an actual contamination event occurred, the livestock should be identified - normally with a management or visual tag - and the contamination noted on LPA NVDs if they are consigned,” the spokesman said.

“This enables buyers/processors to check, sample, test to ensure fitness for human consumption.”

Whether the new LPA guidelines may impact the take up of solar or wind on properties was “not for MLA to say”, the spokesman said.