Temporary leg-up for hard-pressed farmers

A RAFT of fees will be waived for drought affected Victorian farmers over the next financial year through the roll out of the Duties and Fees Relief Package.

As part of the package, livestock duties will be waived in Victoria for the sale of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs until 30 September 2026.

Primary producers will also no longer have to pay standard order processing fees for National Livestock Identification System tags until 30 June 2026 – however payment for the cost of the tags will still be required.

All other livestock fees will be frozen at the same rate as last financial year.

Beekeepers haven’t been left out, and won’t have to pay the two-year registration fee for their hives until 30 September 2027.

Dairy farmers will also receive a discount on their 2025/26 licence fees, which will be reflected in their milk payments from dairy manufacturers.

Biosecurity Victoria is waiving fees for nursery and horticulture producers for this financial year as well.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said the program will put cash back into the pockets of drought-affected farmers to help them manage their cashflow challenges.

“We know these administrative costs can add up, and we thank the regulatory bodies and livestock committees working together with us to support farmers during these difficult times,” she said.

For information on further duties and fees covered by this package, and the full range of supports available to farmers and communities, visit the Agriculture Victoria website or phone 136 186.