The NSW Government has introduced a discount program offering $1 electronic identification (eID) tags to sheep and goat farmers across the state.
The initiative, designed to support producers, will reduce the cost of eID tags for lambs and kids born in 2025.
Each eID tag will receive a discount of $0.76, resulting in a final price of $1.00 per tag. The scheme will apply to purchases made between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2025 or until funds are exhausted.
NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty and NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin announced the scheme at the Carcoar Saleyards in NSW's central west.
This announcement brings the Government's commitment to the implementation of mandatory eID for sheep and goats to $41 million, the largest contribution by any State to this reform.
The rebate will apply to NLIS-accredited white eID tags, supporting farmers as the industry transitions to mandatory eID use from 1 January 2025.
eID tags provide accurate traceability, enhancing biosecurity and securing export premiums for NSW producers.
Building on the success of the NSW Sheep and Goat eID Rebate Scheme, which has supported nearly 1700 primary producers with over $15 million in funding, this initiative underlines the Government's commitment to comprehensive biosecurity measures.
There is no additional paperwork for producers to participate in the tag rebate scheme. The design of the program incorporates feedback from the NSW Sheep and Goat Traceability Reference Group to streamline the process for producers.
For more information on the implementation of eID for sheep and goats in NSW, visit the DPI website and subscribe to the NSW Sheep and Goat eID newsletter.