Part 4/8:
David Jahinki, President of the National Farmers Federation, expressed cautious optimism mixed with concern. While emphasizing the importance of trusting biocurity systems, he stressed that Australian rules aim not only to protect farmers but also to ensure consumer safety.
He explained that the current framework involves rigorous audits and verification processes, particularly focusing on whole-of-life traceability for slaughtered cattle. The goal is to keep diseases out of the country by being able to trace any contamination back to its source and address it promptly. Jahinki highlighted that although Australia's system includes oversight of processing facilities, verification of the entire supply chain—especially in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—remains a critical issue.