Relief for farmers set to continue

TO further support drought impacted producers, the South Australian Government is extending the current sheep and goat eID essential equipment rebate for producers for a further 12 months.

Originally set to end at the end of June, the Essential Equipment Rebate for sheep and farmed goat producers will now remain open until June 30 next year, assisting them with the costs of the scanning equipment needed to meet their National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) reporting obligations.

In addition to the rebate for producers, the sheep and goat eID essential equipment rebate for schools, ag shows and special events has also been extended for another 12 months.

South Australian Primary Industries Clare Scriven said recognising the challenges many producers were facing due to the drought, the State Government continued to look for ways to support primary industries through this time.

The extension of these rebates follows on from the recently announced extension of the point-of-sale tag discount scheme and the expanded eID Device Rebate, providing further assistance to producers with their transition to electronic identification for sheep and farmed goats.

“The transition to eID tags for sheep and farmed goats is well underway and the extension of these rebates will further support uptake,” Minister Scriven said. “The implementation for eID for sheep and farmed goats not only assists in improving the traceability of livestock but enables us to respond and recover more quickly and efficiently from a biosecurity outbreak such as foot and mouth disease.”

Eligible producers, schools, ag shows and special events can apply for a 75 per cent rebate of the cost of purchasing essential equipment.

For producers, the maximum rebate amount is based on the historical number of animals moved annually onto a property directly from another property over a consecutive three-year period.

The rebate is part of the South Australian Government’s $10.2 million funding commitment to assist with the transition to eID for sheep and farmed goats, including $9.3 million to directly support producers and the supply chain.

As agreed nationally, South Australia is moving from the current visual device and mob-based approach to individual eID for sheep and farmed goats to improve traceability and better protect the state’s $4.9 billion livestock industry.

As of January 1 this year, all sheep and farmed goats born must be tagged with an NLIS-accredited eID tag before leaving their property of birth.

On January 1, 2027, all other sheep and farmed goats leaving a property must be identified with an NLIS-accredited eID tag.

For further information about SA’s transition to eID and the support available for producers visit pir.sa.gov.au/eid