Another 13 Victorian saleyards have been granted more than $1.5 million in funding to help them in the transition to mandatory electronic tagging of sheep and goats.
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford has announced the grants, which will support Victorian saleyards’ transition to the new system.
Saleyards in Pakenham, Leongatha, Sale, Bairnsdale, Colac, Warrnambool, Wycheproof, Ouyen, Swan Hill, Nhill, Horsham, Warracknabeal and Shepparton have been awarded the grants, to purchase and install new scanning equipment and software.
“We said we wouldn’t let industry absorb these changes alone – that’s why we’re supporting them to get the job done,” Ms Pulford said.
“Introducing this important reform to electronically tag sheep and goats protects market access for our valuable livestock industries and supports innovation and greater productivity through the supply chain.
“These grants demonstrate how government, saleyards and industry are working collaboratively to make sure Victoria has one of the best traceability systems in the world.”
These grants demonstrate how government, saleyards and industry are working collaboratively to make sure Victoria has one of the best traceability systems in the world.
- Jaala Pulford, Victorian Agriculture Minister
Saleyards are required to scan and upload data for all electronically tagged sheep and goats from 31 March next year.
The funding followed the development of plans for each saleyard’s infrastructure requirements for electronic identification, following consultation with local agents, transporters and saleyard staff.
Ms Pulford said total infrastructure funding for the thirteen saleyards came to more than $1.5 million.
It followed last month’s announcement that Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange was the first major saleyard to receive a grant for electronic identification equipment.
Ms Pulford also encouraged businesses to apply for equipment and software grants by December 31.