March 31, 2014
AgForce Queensland today welcomed Teys Australia’s introduction of a premium for certified pasturefed beef.
Teys announced earlier today the company would pay a 50 cent premium for cattle certified under the Pasturefed Cattle Assurance System (PCAS), with the price increase to be effective in the May-June period.
Woolworths will also introduce a pasturefed beef product underpinned by PCAS.
PCAS is a voluntary assurance system – the brainchild of an AgForce member in Rockhampton – where the end product is ‘Certified Pasturefed’ cattle on the market and beef on consumers’ shelves.
Underpinning PCAS are standards which govern the on-farm feed requirements and traceability of the cattle, as well as pre-slaughter handling practices which influence eating quality.
AgForce Cattle President Howard Smith said today’s announcement of the premium showed that beef produced for a targeted market with the needs of the consumer as the forefront could achieve clear financial benefits for graziers.
“A lot of work has gone into PCAS since the idea was hatched at an AgForce meeting, through to the development of the system by the Cattle Council of Australia,” Mr Smith said.
“Through PCAS we have provided a clear pathway for producers who are willing to formally back their product and invest in sustainable and targeted production to be paid for their work.
“In a world where consumers increasingly demand more choice and expect to know where and how their food is produced. the PCAS system shows the progression our industry must embrace to thrive into the future.”
AgForce commended both Teys Australia and the Cattle Council for their hard work on the initiative, and looks forward to continuing to work towards innovations to transform the beef industry.
The requirements of PCAS mean cattle produced under the standard must:
- Have been fed only pasture their entire life
- Have not been confined for the purposes of intensive feeding for production
- Are fully traceable for their entire life via NLIS
- Are guaranteed to eat well, based on MSA and if required:
- Are free from HGPs and
- Are free from antibiotics.
