New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme (NZFAP)

• All qualifying livestock must be born in New Zealand.

• All animal movements on and off farm must be accompanied by a legally binding Animal Status Declaration (ASD) and be retained for 5 years.

• All wool transported off-farm must be accompanied by a wool bale specification sheet.

• Livestock displaying signs of unusual illness or ill-thrift must be notified to a veterinarian.

• All animal treatments used, or product stored, must be recorded in detail and where administered, done so by suitably trained personnel.

• All agrichemicals and fertilisers stored or used must be recorded in detail; and where used, must be done by a trained person and applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and application rates.

• All livestock shall be cared for under the five freedoms:

  1. Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition

  2. Freedom from discomfort

  3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease

  4. Freedom from distress

  5. Freedom to express normal behaviour

• All animal handlers will have the knowledge, training or supervision to ensure the animal’s health and welfare.

• All farm infrastructures will be constructed, maintained and operated in a manner that minimises distress or injury to animals or humans.

• A documented preventative Animal Health Plan must be prepared and reviewed annually for all livestock on the farm.

• All livestock shall have sufficient food, water, nutrients and shelter to maintain good health and welfare.

To meet the NZFAP standards for wool, farms will be audited at least every three years for:

• Origin and traceability

• Biosecurity and food safety

• Animal health, welfare and production management

• Infrastructure and waste management

• Transport off farm

All certified farmers are required to have an Animal Health Plan and meet New Zealand’s strict animal welfare regulations that exclude the use of mulesing.

All New Zealand Farm Assured wool is from livestock cared for under five freedoms:

1. Free from discomfort

2. Free from pain, injury and disease

3. Free to behave naturally

4. Free from fear and distress

5. Free from thirst, hunger and malnutrition

All animal handlers must have knowledge, training or supervision to ensure the animals’ health and welfare.