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ORGANIC FRIENDLY ALPACA FIBRE PRODUCTION |
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Print out this page, complete the application & either post or fax it to AAFT. |
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AAFT |
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‘Organic Friendly’ Alpaca Fibre Production Ultrafine Bale Scheme
Preamble
As the world focuses on preserving the environment, there is the realisation that much of this burden rests with those involved in primary production.
The pursuit of environmentally conscious and welfare driven agriculture is, to a large degree, encapsulated within the framework of ‘organic production standards’. Organic production standards within agricultural industries have gained significant support from consumer markets throughout the world.
Products that are marketed with an organic or eco label have been known to attract increased demand with consequent price premiums.
The Australian alpaca industry is well positioned to supply raw fibre to these developing eco markets.
The intrinsic nature of Australian alpaca fibre production place it at a distinct advantage due to its minimal use of chemicals, non-invasive footprint on the landscape and characteristically welfare driven management regimes.
In order to communicate these facts, and to further support the pursuit of organic driven fibre production, a ‘Statement of Intent – Organic Driven Fibre Production’ (SOI) has been developed. The SOI is accompanied by a set of guidelines.
At this stage, the SOI is specific to the Ultrafine Bale Scheme.
By signing the SOI, the respective alpaca breeder/grower is affirming an intent to pursue, in as much as practically possible, a system of fibre production that preserves natural resources and values the welfare of livestock under their supervision.
The accompanying guidelines are a set of points to assist growers who sign the SOI, although their implementation would need to be refined in order to suit the grower’s particular circumstances.
These guidelines might be considered a prelude before application to formal organic accreditation under any of the recognised accreditation schemes.
Growers who sign the SOI will be able to have their fleeces consigned to the Ultrafine Bales that will be labelled ‘Organic Friendly’ allowing them to be marketed as such. Growers who do not wish to sign the SOI may consign fleeces to unlabelled Ultrafine Bales.
It is important to note that signing the SOI does not in any way affect the rights of individuals to manage their land, stock or infrastructure as they see fit. Further, this is a voluntary, self regulated scheme that relies on the integrity of all participants.
For further information, contact Australian Alpaca Fibre Testing (AAFT) on phone 61 (0)2 48342132 or email info@aaft.com.au.
Statement Of Intent
‘Organic Friendly’ Alpaca Fibre Production
I/we affirm my/our intention to produce alpaca fibre in a manner that preserves our natural resources and values the welfare of livestock under our supervision.
I/we acknowledge receipt of the accompanying ‘Guidelines for Organic Friendly alpaca fibre production’.
Signature……………………………………………………
Date…………………………….
Name………………………………………………………….
Address……………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
for
(trading name)……………………………………………………...………
(Please forward signed copy of SOI to AAFT. PO Box 246. Crookwell, NSW. 2583)
Guidelines for ‘Organic Friendly alpaca fibre production
1. Standards of landuse
On-farm ecosystems should be protected by recognising the interactions between natural activity and human activity such as weed and pest control, land clearing and pasture management.
There exists a need to adopt sustainable landuse strategies such as establishing a ‘farm layout plan’ that incorporates a strategic tree planting program, paddock plan and water efficient catchment systems. Strategies should also include maintenance of adequate ground cover by not overgrazing and using minimal tillage.
The use of chemical fertilisers should be avoided and replaced with organic alternatives such as phosphate rock, gypsum, plant/animal derivatives etc.
The use of chemicals should be avoided in the control of weeds. If such use is unavoidable, their use should be undertaken by a person accredited in chemical use such as a Chemcert course.
The use of biological control and manual removal is promoted as the preferred method of weed control
2. Animal management and welfare
Alpacas should be managed under conditions that satisfy their behavioural and physiological needs.
Management of alpacas should recognise & address the naturally social behaviour of alpacas
All animals should have access to free range pasture that provides shelter/shade from climate extremes, adequate fresh water and feed that is free of introduced objects that may significantly increase the risk of stress, injury or death.
Animals should not be subjected to any unnecessary husbandry procedure that puts them under undue stress, pain or suffering or physical abuse.
If an alpaca is required to undergo surgical treatment, the treatment should be carried out by a veterinarian surgeon or in less complex treatments, other suitably qualified and experienced person.
If shorn in inclement weather, sufficient protection from rain, wind or extreme cold should be provided, such as the use of ‘snow’ shearing combs, paddocks with tree/shrub breaks, access to paddock shelters, the use of alpaca body covers and shedding.
The routine use of drench chemicals should be avoided by restricting the use of drenching to only when faecal egg counts indicate that treatment is required. A further worm control strategy is the rotation of paddocks. These practises will also reduce the incidence of drench resistance.
The use of chemicals for the control of external parasites should be avoided.
The use of precautionary antibiotics should be used only when no other alternative is available or suitable.
The use of killed vaccines (i.e. 5in1) is permitted where there is considered a reasonable risk of the animal contracting disease.
If an alpaca requires euthanasia, it should be carried out humanely with no undue suffering and beyond sight, hearing and smell of other alpacas.
3. Nutrition
Alpaca nutrition should be aimed at maintaining alpacas in a good healthy condition in order to resist infection, parasite invasion and diseases while allowing normal growth patterns and reproduction. As a guide, alpacas should be maintained at a body score of between 2 & 4.
The following additives or traces should not be included in feed rations:
Artificial colourants, hormones, solvents, synthetic appetisers, preservatives or growth promotants (synthetic hormones).
As a first preference, feed merchants/suppliers should be organic accredited. As a second preference, suppliers should be identified as having adopted organic type principles and methods of operation such as reduced use of chemicals.
4. Alpaca Transport
Transporting alpacas should be conducted in a calm and stress free manner.
Sick or injured alpaca should not be transported except for the purposes of veterinary treatment.
Transport crates or floats and their ramps should not have any protruding edges or parts that are likely to cause injury or death.
Adequate ventilation and protection from the elements should be provided.
Floors should have a non-slip surface.
Dams with new born cria should not be transported except for veterinary treatment or under the direction of a veterinary surgeon.
When transporting more than one alpaca, the potential adverse affects from mixing certain individuals or groups of alpacas should be addressed.
5. General approach
The pursuit of organic primary production is a dynamic and wholistic management system. In order to maintain and develop organic friendly production, individual farm systems should be monitored through the use of records. Records of activities and strategies should be regularly evaluated in order to enhance organic production standards.
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