All states and territories are working towards a harmonised framework and implementation timeline for a national sheep and goat traceability system, from 1 January 2025.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said that to help make this change happen in Tasmania the Government is stepping in to support our farmers, suppliers and livestock facilities by providing a range of equipment rebates.
“Our livestock industry is a huge part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, and I will always back our Tasmanian farmers and producers – that’s why we are delivering this program of support,” Minister Howlett said.
“Requiring sheep and goats to have an electronic identification tag (eID) will strengthen traceability in the event of an emergency disease outbreak and from 1 Jan 2025, all supply chain participants need to be ready to scan eID tags.
“To support the transition, Round 3 of the Sheep and Goat eID Project will open on 1 July this year, with $2.3 million in funding for reimbursement on eligible scanning items.
“This funding will support sheep and goat producers, agricultural show societies, organisations that run rural livestock events, not-for-profit organisations, local government and mobile veterinarians by providing rebates for eID scanning equipment purchases.”
The new equipment is required to record animal movements and make uploads to the National Livestock Identification System database.
“Tasmanian producers can apply for reimbursement on eligible scanning items from 1 July this year, until June 30 2025, or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first,” Minister Howlett said.
“Importantly, EIDs are not just for producers of sheep and goats. The new requirements will apply even if you own only a few backyard animals.
“Traceability through eIDs will further protect our agriculture industry and is a valuable on-farm and off-farm tool.
“There has also been an extension to the Round 1 funding closing date which will now close on 30 September. This will support facilities such as saleyards and abattoirs to install scanning equipment to prepare for 1 January 2025.”
