Electronic National Vendor Declaration: Proof of Concept Trials for Victorian Livestock Industry

4 June 2014

A new project led by the Livestock Saleyard Association of Victoria and funded by Victoria’s Department of Business and Innovation will shortly be trialling new technologies within the livestock industry enabling the conversion of current hard copy versions of the national vendor declaration (NVD) forms into an electronic database record, to test integration along the livestock supply chain.

NDVs provide essential documentation required to accompany movement of livestock between locations and properties, requiring the producer to share important information about livestock history and compliance. These forms are essential to upholding Australia’s food safety reputation for meat and livestock.

Federation University’s Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation has contributed to this project as a member of the steering group, offering advice relating to the technology platforms and coordinating tender and contracting processes for the project. Other members of the stakeholder group include peak industry organisations and industry representatives including livestock agents and transporters, saleyard representatives, Department of Environment and Primary Industry, Dairy Australia and the Victorian Farmers Federation.

The aim of these electronic trials is to test a range of new technologies and technology devices (including tablets and smart phones) to enhance the digital capability of the NDV system across the livestock marketing chain. The trials are being conducted in Victoria until October/November 2014. Outcomes from the Trial will be shared with the industry and stakeholders, including the promotion of the project and the outcomes from the farming trials, at field day exhibitions.

For further information about this project, contact Mark McDonald, Executive officer and Project Manager, Livestock Saleyard Association Victoria, MOB:  0422 312607, or CeRDI Project Manager, Greg McKenzie, T: 03 5327 9236