Saleyards and processors in the sheep and farmed goat industries now have access to grants from the NSW Government to prepare for the implementation of mandatory electronic identification.
Nationals Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the funding would allow saleyards and processors to start planning for the rollout of the system in NSW from 1 January 2025.
"The NSW Government knows implementing electronic identification within the sheep and farmed goat industry is a big change, one we have worked with industry on from the start," Mr Saunders said.
"We want saleyards and processors to start their planning and design of infrastructure and any essential modifications associated with their business.
"Grants between $5,000 and $15,000 will be available for these businesses to commence planning for essential modifications and the critical infrastructure required."
Mandatory electronic identification for sheep and goats will play a crucial role in responding quickly and effectively to incursions like Foot and Mouth Disease.
In addition, the use of electronic identification will provide the ability to improve on-farm monitoring and management and decision making, leading to improved productivity and market access opportunities.
"We want to protect and keep building our $1.5 billion sheep and goat industries - that's why the NSW Government is providing this initial financial support to help businesses prepare," Mr Saunders said.
"We also are continuing to work with the Commonwealth Government to finalise a cost sharing model to support the broader roll out of the mandatory electronic identification for sheep and goat producers in NSW."
Saleyards and processors will be contacted directly by NSW Department of Primary Industries in the new year to inform them of the grants application process.
Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association CEO Peter Baldwin welcomed the NSW Government's announcement.
"As the National peak body representing livestock agents across NSW, we know that the implementation of mandatory sheep and goat electronic identification is a huge piece of work and will take support from the government to ensure it is rolled out in the best, most seamless way possible," Mr Baldwin said.
"This announcement for saleyards to plan and prepare is a positive step forward and shows the industry we won't be left alone on this electronic tagging journey."
The NSW Government released its timeline for sheep and goat electronic identification last week:
• All meat processors will be required to start eID scanning farmed sheep and goats from 30 June 2024.
• All sheep and farmed goats born on or after 1 January 2025 will require an eID device.
• All saleyards, depots and property to property transfers of stock will require eID scanning from 1 January 2025.
• All farmed sheep and goats leaving a property will require an eID device from 1 January 2027.
Sheep and goat electronic identification forms part of the NSW Government's $229 million defence against Foot and Mouth Disease and other biosecurity threats.
