New funding for traceability reforms

The sheep and goat eID Tag Discount Program in NSW has been extended to December 31, with an additional $4 million allocated to the program as part of the Minns Government’s plan to support producers in the implementation of mandatory electronic identification tags.

The use of eID tags became mandatory on 1 January 2025 for all sheep and goats born from this date onwards. The additional funding ensures producers will now receive a discount of 76 cents (including GST) for NLIS accredited white 2025 devices up until 31 December 2025, or until funds are exhausted.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the eID Roll out is an important plank in the Government’s biosecurity plans.

“It is about protecting our export markets, about protecting against exotic disease and it is about protecting the livelihood of famers and their families,” she said.

“We are really pleased to see such strong uptake and support for the program since January 1 and this additional funding will ensure more producers are supported during the implementation process.

“We will continue working with producers, agents, saleyards and processors to implement eID in their operations.”

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said fresh investment in the discount program had come as welcome news, following strong advocacy by the state’s peak farm body.

“If this system is going to be the one that works, then the industry that has to use it needs to be supported appropriately,” Mr Martin said.

“We’re far from the end of the road to traceability reform, and it’s good to see Minister Moriarty recognise this.”

However, Mr Martin warned the state government must continue to deliver funding for the discount program beyond December 2025, to ensure a successful transition through the reforms.

“The NSW Government must commit to future funding for eID devices so that costs are lowered throughout the entire transition period, and producers can adapt to this major change,” Mr Martin said. 

“This means we need more funding for tags from the state and federal governments, and more consideration of the other pathways that exist to ensure costs are kept down for producers through this transition.

“Let’s remember it’s governments who mandated this traceability system, and therefore, it’s governments who must continue to properly support producers with transitioning to it.”