RGTAG UPDATE

 

Ruminant Genetics Trade Advisory Group (RGTAG) Update

RGTAG supported by NHIA, is your industry voice for ruminant genetic trade. RGTAG has a dedicated committee of business owners, employees, and vets working alongside the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) to open and improve global genetic trade markets. 

 

Why is RGTAG important to industry?

RGTAG has a sitting committee of devoted volunteers from various areas of genetics in the industry. RGTAG endeavours to hear the voices of its members and use its direct communication with DAFF to positively impact the trade opportunities for industry. 

As countries and overseas businesses express interest in accessing Australia’s ruminant genetics, RGTAG works hard to make sure the resulting conditions and protocol is workable for licensed collection centres from all parts of our country. 

Australia has a very unique position when it comes to biosecurity, and our range of excellent genetics is desired across the globe. The RGTAG committee pride themselves in being part of the bridge to the world for Australian breeders and centres.

 

 

China

An update from China indicated they are resuming accreditations for eligible centres that participated in prior desk audits, with seven centres identified. No new applications will be accepted at this time. Centres preferring not to continue can opt out before bookings are arranged. We have been notified by the Department that we will have in-person inspections with a Chinese delegation possibly in the next 6 weeks. We all look forward to opening this market up again.  

South Africa

Efforts to reach government officials essential to permits and dispensation processes have proven challenging. RGTAG will continue using their collective resources to hopefully have discussions with South Africa in the future. We believe in upholding the country’s biosecurity as well as making a more streamlined and more accessible market for all.  

New Zealand

There have been several updates to the New Zealand protocol since its renegotiation a few years ago. For instance, for the first time in over three years, Australian Bovine Embryos can now be exported to New Zealand. This is with thanks to the Government Laboratory EMAI, as well as the RGTAG committee members for their persistence. 

There have also been new methods for creating health certificates for Bovine semen to be exported, which has delayed some shipping this year. 

MPI has now sent out notice that it wishes to update the Australia – New Zealand protocol again, and we are currently in the review stage. Once we have established communication with them regarding the proposal, RGTAG will work hard to keep the protocol as achievable for Australia as we can.

India

India has been a topic for discussion and debate for some time now, with some members passionately working towards an agreed protocol. Initial negotiations have taken place with RGTAG having input on the draft documentation sent to Indian officials. 

The initial word is there may not be a lot of room for changes in this protocol, however we are hopeful for conditions we can all work with. 

Clients and businesses who wish to trade semen and embryos with India have been encouraged to seek an Import Permit, and work off permit trade for the interim.

Ecuador

Progress is underway, with DAFF actively involved in Ecuador’s bovine template setup. Centres should now have access to CVD Templates, and the first Ecuador shipment under this agreed protocol was successfully exported at the end of 2024.    

Pakistan 

RGTAG are pleased to report its efforts in assisting DAFF have successfully negotiated a working protocol making trade open for all bovine germplasm. The first few exports under the agreed protocol have been successfully received in Pakistan. We wish all the buyers of Australian genetics the best of luck with their endeavours.

Switzerland

With Switzerland adopting a bovine protocol which aligns with the current EU conditions, there are opportunities for aligning ovine protocols as well. RGTAG ovine representatives have now received notice that Ovine germplasm to export to Switzerland will utilise the EU conditions as well.