What is APIQ?

APIQ is the premier quality assurance (QA) program for pig producers in Australia. APIQ has helped to lift the profile of the pork industry and covers 90% of production in Australia.

APIQ certification provides customers with assurance that high standards are in place. This applies to on-farm management, food safety, animal welfare, biosecurity, and traceability. This enables producers to deliver pigs of consistent quality and open the door to domestic and export markets.

The program is designed by a wide range of stakeholders from within the industry. APIQ Management within APL handle the administration activities of the APIQ program.

Certification proves that producers are meeting relevant State and Federal legislation. This proves they follow good agricultural practice outlined in the Model Code of Practice.

APIQ is based on the internationally recognised principles of hazard identification and managing risks at Critical Control Points (HACCP). A producer’s markets may require quality assurance to supply pigs to them. For example:

• If a producer sells pigs to or through an export processor they must have on-farm QA
• If you sell pigs to a customer that sells pork and pork products that need on-farm QA

The program also supports the requirements of the industry-wide traceability system, the PigPass National Vendor Declaration (PigPass NVD) by providing the supporting QA framework.

There are seven modules that make up the APIQ Standards. Certification is granted when a producer can meet all requirements and performance indicators.

Having efficient management and recording systems is an important part of APIQ Certification. This means documenting how tasks are executed, monitored, recorded, and ensuring these results meet industry standards.

The APIQ Standards modules are:

1. Management

Helping producers manage their piggery in a systematic manner.

2. Food Safety

Helping to produce food that is safe.

3. Animal Welfare

Helping producers maintain high standards of animal care.

4. Biosecurity

Helping the producer manage the health risks to their pigs; other pigs they may have contact with when they leave the farm; and people who may be in contact with them.

5. Traceability

Compliance with the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) and PigPass National Vendor Declaration (PPNVD) requirements.

6. Environment

Helping producers maintain a high standard of environmental management.

7. Transport

To help ensure pigs transported off farm arrive in good condition and transport risks are managed.

APIQ has three certification options available:

• APIQ (Indoor)
• APIQ Free Range
• APIQ Outdoor Bred, Raised Indoors on Straw 

Certain verification types need to meet additional requirements. These include:

• Gestation Stall Free Verification
• Customer Specifications Verification for Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd 
• Voluntary Enhanced Biosecurity Standard for African Swine Fever

First time producers should contact APIQ Management and familiarise themselves with the APIQ certification process, discuss the APIQ program and create a quality assurance system to suit them.