Help on-hand for Vic farmers trying to access interstate fodder

Agriculture Victoria is offering a free biosecurity service with a two-day permit request response turnaround for Victorian farmers and others looking to bring fodder into the state.

Importers looking to bring fodder into Victoria from interstate can now go through Agriculture Victoria to apply for a Plant Biosecurity Permit (PBP) to ensure biosecurity risks are properly managed.

Agriculture Victoria is providing the free service to suppliers, transporters and farmers to navigate permit requirements and expedite access to fodder.

Ongoing drought conditions have created serious challenges for Victoria’s livestock industry, particularly a critical shortage of hay and fodder, forcing farmers to look interstate to source much-needed supplies.

All imported fodder requires a PBP to manage key biosecurity risks from entering Victoria from interstate, including Annual Ryegrass Toxicity (found in all states but NT and Tasmania), Green Snail (found in WA), Red Imported Fire Ant (found in QLD), and Electric Ant (found in QLD).

Agriculture Victoria Chief Plant Health Officer Dr Stephen Dibley said all fodder imports will require a PBP, except for those coming from NT and Tasmania.

‘Given the ongoing tough conditions across the state, Agriculture Victoria is prioritising permit applications for fodder to make sure essential transport can be fast tracked,’ Dr Dibley said.

‘Once a Plant Biosecurity Permit is submitted, our team will be in touch within 2 working days to discuss and assess the specifics of your import request,’ he said.

Costs associated with the inspection of interstate fodder by Agriculture Victoria where it is required, will be waived.

To find more information or apply for a plant health permit, visit agriculture Victoria’s website, or email your inquiry directly to market.access@agriculture.vic.gov.au.