As part of the Minns Labor Government’s $945 million biosecurity program, the $10.2 million electronic identification device Tag Discount Program is now live and available to support producers with the costs of eID devices for sheep and goats.
The use of eID tags will become mandatory commencing 1 January 2025 for all sheep and goats born from this date.
Under the program, producers will receive a discount of $0.76 (including GST) per eID device purchased between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2025, or until funds are exhausted.
The discount program will ensure there are eID tags available to producers from $1.00.
To take advantage of this program, sheep and goat producers in NSW must have an active Property Identification Code (PIC) and purchase eligible devices from participating retailers or directly from manufacturers during the specified period.
The structure of this discount program is designed to maximise benefits for producers while minimising administrative responsibilities, with the discount applied directly at the point of sale with participating device manufacturers and retailers.
The move to eID devices will ensure more accurate and timely traceability to help reduce the duration and industry impact of any emergency animal disease or residue incident.
Electronic identification for sheep and goats will mean that NSW producers will continue to lead the world in biosecurity safety and maintain their export premiums.
Eligible white 2025 NLIS-accredited eID devices will have the discount automatically applied at the point of sale, meaning producers will pay $0.76 less (including GST) than the original retail price when purchasing online or in-store.
Producers who require more than 3500 devices under the program will need to request pre-approval via the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) website.
The discount can be applied on one order per PIC. Multiple orders are allowed for orders greater than 3500 devices, with pre-approval.
For more information on the implementation of eID for sheep and goats in NSW please visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) website and sign up to the NSW sheep and goat eID newsletter – https://bit.ly/3U7Q3CK
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“This program will support farmers prepare for the future of livestock management in NSW.
“By streamlining the purchasing process and providing significant discounts on eID devices, we are reducing the administrative load for producers.
‘This is about protecting the state’s $21.2 billion agriculture sector from biosecurity threats and ensuring our export markets remain secure.
“Together, we can strengthen our agricultural sector and create a more secure future for our livestock industries.”