STAKEHOLDERS who have an interest in shaping the future of research, development and extension investments in cattle and sheep livestock genetics are encouraged to apply for positions on the Implementation Committee for the new National Livestock Genetics Consortium.

Recently established by Meat & Livestock Australia with industry, the NLGC aims to increase collaboration to accelerate genetic gains within the livestock sector.

The NLGC is a new model of collaboration in genetics and genomics research, development and extension and currently needs a chair, executive officer and committee Members to develop and implement the consortium.

The working aim of the consortium is to double the annual rate of improvement in industry genetic value by 2022 by investing in R&D to deliver affordable, accurate and easy-to-use technologies for DNA-based genetic improvement, in both beef cattle and sheep.

MLA’s genetics and data insights manager Sam Gill said genetics had a cumulative effect that delivers value to all parts of the supply chain.

“Improvements help to create more efficient on-farm production; result in carcases that meet market specs; and underpin eating quality,” he said.

Following the release of a draft co-investment prospectus earlier this year, there has been significant in-principle interest and commitment from a large number of participants across the value chain. These include seedstock producers, breed societies, research organisations, state agriculture departments, processors and producers – in the form of both cash and in-kind resources.

“To date the consortium has generated interest of more than $26 million in cash and over $38 million in in-kind resources, on top of the existing $44 million already invested by MLA and others,” Mr Gill said.

The NLGC was now looking to build on the initial work that has garnered widespread interest from both public and private bodies.

The Implementation Committee will develop a detailed Investment Plan that outlines in detail the objectives, key performance indicators to be achieved against the Meat Industry Strategic Plan 2020, processes for initiating projects and the governance structures that need to be put in place to manage the consortia into the future.

Key principles for a code of conduct to participate in the consortium will also be developed.

• Stakeholders from across the entire value chain interested in being a representative on the Implementation Committee, or acting as Chair or Executive Officer should respond to the specific selection criteria, which can be accessed via this link.
• For further information, contact Sam Gill, MLA Genetics and Data Insights Manager on 0428 248 552 or email sgill@mla.com.au

Source: MLA