Tasmanian farmers will get more support to roll out mandatory electronic tagging of sheep and goats.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jane Howlett said Tasmania, consistent with all states and territories in Australia, is moving to electronic identification (eID) of individual animals, from 1 January 2025.
"I have listened carefully to our producers, and I understand that they need reasonable timeframes to transition to the new arrangements and assistance with the changes," Minister Howlett said.
"I am pleased to announce a phased introduction of mandatory tagging requirements, and the early opening of the rebate scheme for tags."
The new targets for mandatory tagging are:
- All sheep and goats born on or after 1 January 2025 that move off property need to be electronically tagged.
- From 1 January 2027 all sheep and goats that move off property need to be electronically tagged (meaning a two-year phasing-in period for older animals); and
- All supply chain participants will be ready to scan electronic tags and upload movement data to the National Livestock Identification System from 1 January 2025.
"This will provide our producers with the time that they need, and flexibility to comply with the new requirements," Minister Howlett said.
"Regulations will be introduced to underpin these targets and meet the national requirements, with draft regulations to be released for public comment later this year."
From 1 June, producers will be able to apply for a rebate of $1 per electronic ear tag, and $4 per goat leg band.
Importantly, the tag rebate scheme will apply retrospectively.
Producers who have already purchased electronic tags in 2024 will be eligible for the rebate, acknowledging that they have been on the front foot. There will also not be any limitations on the colour of tags.
These announcements are in addition to the Tasmanian Government's $11.66 million support package, over four years, which provides help with the costs of new equipment for impacted parties including:
- Rebates for up to 75 per cent of costs for scanning infrastructure for eligible supply chain participants (including livestock agents, processors, saleyards, transit yards);
- Rebates of up to 100 per cent of costs for scanning equipment for eligible agricultural societies and not-for-profit groups; and
- Rebates of up to 75 per cent of costs for handheld scanning devices for eligible producers.
Minister Howlett said electronic tags are a valuable on-farm and off-farm tool designed to assist in traceability, which is important for biosecurity, product integrity and market access.
"I will continue to back our farmers by delivering our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future and this includes investment in biosecurity measures that help them manage risk," Minister Howlett said.
