Joint media release: Embryo transfer costs now eligible under Disaster Recovery Grant funding

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP

Minister for Primary Industries, the Hon Tony Perrett MP

• Embryo transfer procedures are now eligible for reimbursement under primary 
  producer recovery grants.
• Eligible costs include synchronisation drugs, veterinary fees, labour, and travel 
  for embryo transfer.
• Grants of up to $75,000 are available to help primary producers recover from 
  disaster impacts.  

Embryo transfer procedures to reinstate genetically valuable breeding stock are now eligible for reimbursement under Primary Producer Recovery Grants, thanks to funding provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments.

The grants are being delivered under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to support primary producers who have been impacted by the devastating Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji and Severe Weather which commenced in December 2025.

The eligibility for embryo transfer procedures has been retrospectively applied to disaster events including and after North and Far North Tropical Low 29th Jan – 28th Feb 2025 where Primary Producer Recovery Grants have been announced. 

The loss of genetically valuable breeding livestock and future breeders has severely affected the ability of producers to resume breeding operations to pre-disaster levels and reduced genetic improvement in key seedstock operations. 

Including embryo transfers as an eligible activity under the grants aims to support primary producers, particularly those operating stud cattle enterprises, who have been significantly impacted by recent natural disasters.  

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins said this support would assist impacted primary producers in Queensland to rebuild their stock levels faster. 

“Queensland is home to some of Australia’s best beef products, but we know severe weather events have affected herd numbers, and this support gives farmers greater choice in how they rebuild,” Minister Collins said. 

“This is a practical measure for our cattle farmers that strengthens their recovery and supports the continued improvement of tropical herd performance.

“Having visited flood-impacted farmers in Queensland, I know how important it is to work with them to support their recovery – and we will have their back at every stage of recovery.” 

Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the decision reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting Queensland’s primary producers through expanded access to disaster assistance, with this expansion another significant development since coming to office 18 months ago. 

“Queensland’s primary producers are the backbone of our economy, and we understand the devastating impact that natural disasters can have on their livelihoods and local communities,” Minister Perrett said. 

“By including embryo transfer as an eligible cost under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, we are ensuring that stud cattle enterprises and other affected producers can rebuild their herds and return to full production as quickly as possible. 

“More importantly, the inclusion of embryo transfer-related costs sends a strong signal to industry that both levels of government are supportive of graziers integrating embryo technology into their mitigation and resilience planning.”  

The following embryo transfer-related costs are now eligible for reimbursement under the grants for primary producers directly impacted by an eligible disaster event: 
- Synchronisation drugs for recipient cows 
- Veterinary procedure fees for implantation 
- Labour and technician costs associated with embryo transfer 
- Travel costs required to access remote properties  

Primary producers can claim costs for using their own stored embryos that were cryopreserved prior to the disaster event or for donated embryos from industry partners, with only the implantation costs being claimable. 

Disaster Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 are now open for applications through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) website. Financial support is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the DRFA. 

Industry Recovery and Resilience Officers specialise in providing medium and long-term recovery support to primary producers. You can find out to access support here: Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer program | Business Queensland