Supports sheep and goat industry implement mandatory individual electronic identification (eID) across NSW.
Australia has committed more than $38 million to support the introduction of mandatory electronic identification (eID) in the sheep and goat sector across New South Wales (NSW).
From 1 August 2023, the sheep and farmed goat supply chain will be able to access an NSW Sheep and Goat eID Infrastructure Rebate to assist impacted stakeholders in transitioning from the existing visual tag system to an eID one.
The Rebate will first be rolled out to saleyards and processors, then producers and agents from 3 October 2023. Training is expected to commence later this year.
The New South Wales government is contributing AU$31.4 million toward the scheme, with the Federal Government chipping in AU$7.2 million. The initiative demonstrates NSW’s commitment to enhancing traceability systems and supporting the industry to meet objectives.
NSW Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty announced the commitment to farmers at the NSW Farmers Conference in Rosehill on 19 July. Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the investment would go towards the cost of transitioning to an eID system.
“Bringing in an eID system has very strong advantages for our farmers. When we can tell the story of every animal and prove to our consumers the integrity of our supply chains, we can reassure our trading partners that our products are being produced to the highest possible standards of quality and animal welfare. We have a great story to tell of our high-quality produce, and this opens up possibilities for accessing premium markets overseas. With data and transparency to back up our sustainable and rigorous standards will help in creating impressions globally” said Minister Watt.
The rebate scheme, which will be administered by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) includes:
- 100% rebate to saleyards (due to high upfront costs)
- 50% rebate to processors
- 50% rebate to stock and station agents
- 50% rebate to producers
The NSW Government will provide additional free eID-specific training and education to help producers, agents and those working in saleyards and processors to understand their requirements with respect to sheep and goat eID.
“Better traceability will ensure we can respond faster if there is an outbreak of an emergency animal disease and therefore reduce potential impacts on animals, farmers and consumers worldwide. Through the NSW Sheep and Goat Traceability Reference Group and direct engagement with stakeholders across the supply chain, industry has been involved from the beginning” said NSW Minister Moriarty.
