Joint media release: $38 million in eID rebates for NSW sheep and goat industry

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt 
NSW Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty

The Albanese and Minns Governments have joined together to announce more than $38 million to support the sheep and goat industry implement mandatory individual electronic identification (eID) across 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.

The New South Wales government is contributing $31.4 million toward the scheme, with the Federal Government chipping in $7.2 million.

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,” Minister Watt said.

“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.

“We know that our produce is sustainable and subject to rigorous standards. With the data and transparency to back it up, the rest of the world will know it as well.” 

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty announced the commitment to farmers at the NSW Farmers Conference in Rosehill today.

The Minister said the funding announced today demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to enhancing traceability systems and supporting the industry to meet this objective.

“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,” Ms Moriarty said.

“We’ve heard industry – they need support to make the move to eID. This announcement demonstrates that we have listened.”

“Industry has been involved every step of the way through the NSW Sheep and Goat Traceability Reference group, with additional feedback obtained via direct engagement from stakeholders across the sheep and goat supply chain.”

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.

Training is expected to commence later this year.

Ms Moriarty encouraged all possible applicants to visit the RAA website for more information about what support is available to them.

For more information on the implementation of eID for sheep and goats in NSW visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/eid and sign up to the NSW sheep and goat eID newsletter.