An important milestone towards enhancing national food security and protecting the livestock sector from foreign animal disease, a technical team from ministry of agriculture and livestock, has completed two weeks of biosecurity assessment mission in Brazil focus on evaluating potential offshore facilities for pork, beef and poultry imports.
The MAL technical team includes: Mr James Poghula- Principal Livestock Officer, Mr. Samuel Hone- Chief Compliance Officer and Team Leader. Mr Luke Kiriau- Chief Biosecurity Officer- Market Access and Trade.
The assessment conducted in partneship with Brazilian Authorities, MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, a accredited industry, with Brazilian Exporters Association, aims to establish a pre-border biosecurity buffer that will ensure imported animal products from six establishment plants from four stages in Brazil meets highest biosecurity, health and safety standards before reaching Solomon Islands.
Mr. Kiriau, said this assessment is a proactive move to protect our nation from the rising threats of transboundary animal diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF) Avian Influenza, and Foot and Mouth diseases (FMD). It reflects our commitments to responsible trade and safeguarding both animals and public health.
Brazil is a global leader in livestock production and a major supplier of high- quality beef, pork, and poultry in the world, with increasing demand for protein imports, that supply chain is bio secure at the source is critical.
Mr Kiriau explain when importing animal products into the country, Biosecurity Solomon Islands extend beyond just the meat itself, and there are several areas that the mission teams carefully assess, as they can also pause biosecurity risk to public health, livestock, and the environment.
The team also assess the packaging used in transporting meat or by-products, contaminated packaging can act as a vehicle for cross border disease transmission, he further explains that labelling and traceability is essential for trace back in case of contamination.
This assessment also reinforces bilateral cooperation between Solomon Islands and Brazil, promoting shared responsibilities in maintaining a safe and transparent food supply chain.
Biosecurity doesn’t stop at borders. It begins at the source, said Mr Kiriau who led the mission. Working with trusted international partners like Brazil ensures the food on our tables is not only high-quality, but also safe.
Mr Kiriau said on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, would like to thank Brazilian Government, through MAPA, ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Brazil) and Brazil Exporters Association, Bulk shop and Sullivans companies limited for their collaboration, coordination in facilitating this successful mission to Brazil.
– MAL
Photo caption: Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock officials with Brazilian Veterinary Doctors in one of the pork establishments in Minerva, Brazil.
