Some informal discussions have already commenced with farming and industry representatives concerning the operational aspects of the national beef assurance scheme at farm level. Since the national beef assurance scheme legislation was enacted, there has been extensive redrafting of the texts of the proposed farmer declaration, inspection report and certificate. In addition, there have been both formal and informal contacts with the farming and veterinary representative bodies. I intend to continue these discussions and contacts over the coming weeks to secure agreement as quickly as possible.
There has already been extensive consultation with the relevant interests prior to the publication of the National Beef Assurance Scheme Bill in July 1999. Now that the legislation has been enacted, my objective is to finalise the outstanding aspects with the minimum of delay.
On this basis, registration of participants could commence this autumn, to be preceded by an information and publicity campaign, and on-farm inspections would take place during the 2001 annual TB round. In the interim, to avoid discrimination, all parties will be given provisional approval under the scheme.