W.CFP.2202 - Co-funding - Jordan - Eid

Summary

The continued COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a large reduction of facilities with Australian sheep for sale to the public for the Eid al Adha festival in 2021. Only the two main facilities had Australian sheep available during Eid. Regardless, the knowledge and experience of the Jordan Supply Chain Manager (SCM) meant preliminary pre-Eid assessments of each facility within the supply chain were made.

As each facility has participated in selling Australian sheep during a number of past Eid festivals, a specific plan was implemented at each facility easily. With facility staff being well versed in ESCAS requirements (in fact, staff from these facilities are normally stationed at other facilities during Eid to monitor and maintain ESCAS compliance) a briefing of existing staff in the lead up to Eid by the local Supply Chain Manager reinforced ESCAS requirements.

Although there is a significantly reduced risk of leakage from the two main facilities in the supply chain, it was still determined to be important to visit main livestock markets in the country to identify if any Australian sheep have leaked outside the approved supply chain overnight. This will reduce number of ESCAS breach allegations and reduced number of sheep in the allegations.

On the days of Eid Al Adha, the Jordan SCM drove around the country between Amman and Irbid to visit the main livestock markets. This served two purposes: (1) demonstrate a presence within the markets to discourage deliberate breach and non-compliance of ESCAS requirements, and (2) identify any sheep that may have inadvertently leaked from the approved supply chain.

Objectives

• The Jordan SCM will ensure there is a suitable number of adequately trained staff with knowledge and experience of previous Eid periods.
• On the days of Eid Al Adha, the Jordan SCM will drive around the country between Amman and Irbid to visit the main livestock markets.
• Ensure that control and traceability continues to comply with ESCAS, and that all Australian livestock remain within the approved supply chain.

Key findings

1. Prior to Eid the Jordan SCM conducted training and held meetings with animal handling staff to discuss the Eid plan. In this sense, the first outcome was achieved.
2. Second outcome was achieved, with the Jordan SCM visiting livestock markets around the country.
3. There were no reports or non-compliance complaints of Australian sheep outside the supply chain.
Although the proposed outcomes were achieved, the overall project could not be deemed a success due to a complaint submitted to the Department with video footage showing potentially non-compliant handling of sheep.

Benefits to industry

Reduced risk of ESCAS non-compliance during the high-risk period of Eid in 2021.

MLA action

• Work with supply chains to repeat risk mitigation measures in the lead up to the festivals.
• Look to switch to carcase-only sales to reduce the risk of public selection and handling of livestock.
• Only use supply tested and trusted facilities. MLA continue to support the Eid risk mitigation programs put in place by Australian exporters.

Future research

No further research required.