Sheep and goat eID system to commence nationally from 1 January

A national system for the individual electronic identification (eID) of sheep and goats will come into effect on New Year’s Day as part of broader Commonwealth-backed improvements to traceability.

Under the ‘Bolstering Australia’s Biosecurity System’ package, $20 million is being co-invested with states and territories to support the transition to a national sheep and goat eID system, with $14 million already provided.

The implementation of this important reform from 1 January will allow Australia to trace livestock more efficiently and effectively through the red meat supply chain, and respond decisively in the event of a biosecurity or food safety incident.

A strong livestock traceability system will also help demonstrate to trading partners that Australia’s high-quality products continue to be safe, clean and sustainable.

The eID implementation is being overseen by the Sheep and Goat Traceability Task Force established under the National Biosecurity Committee.

Complementing eID, is a further $26.6 million from the Australian Government for upgrades to the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database, along with other supporting systems, to ensure it remains fit for purpose.

These activities align with the National Agricultural Traceability Strategy 2023-2033 and implementation plan, which are supporting a coordinated and enduring approach to agricultural traceability.  
Further information on the national eID implementation plan is available here and information regarding the NLIS database uplift is available here.

Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Anthony Chisholm: 

“The Australian Government is supporting states and territories to implement sheep and goat eID as part of our coordinated national approach to strengthening Australia’s livestock traceability system.

“A strong national traceability system improves our ability to respond to biosecurity and food safety issues, supports access to new and existing markets, and helps meet evolving consumer demands.

“To date, Australian governments have collectively committed around $150 million to support national sheep and goat eID implementation across the livestock supply chain, including $26.6 million in Commonwealth funding for uplift of the NLIS database.”