AMPC Blog - Australian Meat Processor Corporation

AMPC & AMIC Commission Independent Study into DEXA Technology

Written by Bernadette Fielding | Feb 24, 2017

-Study to evaluate the feasibility of an industry-wide installation of DEXA technology into processor plants-

-AMPC & AMIC support the introduction of proven carcase measurement technology that delivers tangible benefits for members and the industry-

The  Australian Meat Processor Corporation  (AMPC) and Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) have appointed Ernst & Young to undertake an independent review into the introduction of  objective carcase  measurement  technology  and  its  application  in  the  red  meat processing industry.

The review will provide analysis and recommendations on whether investment in Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) technology is a prudent operational and commercial decision for processors. The review will evaluate all strategic, technical, financial, commercial, operational, governance, and implementation aspects of Project 150.

Project 150 is the Meat and Livestock Association (MLA) plan announced in November last year to pursue a $150 million industry-wide installation of Objective Carcase Measurement (OCM) technology, underpinned by DEXA to all AUS-MEAT accredited plants by 2020.

AMPC Chairman Peter Noble said that AMPC had commissioned an independent review because it has a responsibility to its members to ensure that investments made on their behalf are thoroughly evaluated and deliver commercial benefits to the industry.

“Without adequate consultation, cost-benefit analysis or due diligence there can be no level of comfort in investing substantial industry funds in DEXA technology which is yet to be sufficiently proven,” he said.

“We take our obligation very seriously to provide members with a comprehensive fact-based approach to investment decisions to ensure their funds are spent in ways which will benefit them and the industry.”

Mr Noble said that AMPC has already invested and committed to invest $6.6m of processor levy funds in jointly-funded projects related to carcase measurement technologies, highlighting the processing sector’s support.

AMIC Chairman Lachie Hart said that a capital investment of this scale that is without appropriate governance, consultation and feasibility assessments could encumber an industry already facing unprecedented cost pressures related to regulation, utilities, livestock, and labour.

“Until our members can be confident that this technology will provide a more independent and accurate way to grade and price carcases, we risk undermining the integrity of the cattle pricing process,” Mr Hart said. “If we get it wrong, it would be a costly and backward step.”

“At  this  early  stage  of  its  development,  it  would  not  be  prudent  to  unilaterally  roll  out DEXA technology across the whole of industry,” he said.

The independent review and the trials being undertaken by Teys Australia will better inform the industry as to the merits of the technology and provide the necessary confidence to  make an investment decision.

The independent review will be led by Andrew Metcalfe AO who has extensive experience in the sector  and was the  lead partner on our recent  report on Strategic Risks Facing the  Red Meat Industry.

EY  have  identified  a  team  with  key  skills,  knowledge  and  resources  to  undertake  the review, including an international expert familiar with DEXA technology and its application across multiple industries.

The findings of the report are anticipated to be publicly available in April 2017.