Consultation with farmers for the state government’s introduction of compulsory electronic identification for sheep and goats will start in September.
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All sheep and goats born in Victoria must have an electronic identification tag, linked to the National Livestock Identification System, from January 1 next year.
The livestock must be tagged before being dispatched to a sale yard, abattoir or another property.
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said there will be a consultation period on both the standards, which will govern how electronic tags are used, and the composition of the transition package.
This will help support the introduction of the tags.
Agriculture Victoria director of market access Warren Straw said the consultation would to ensure those affected by this change have the opportunity to shape how it will work and what support will be available.
“It’s important the phasing in of new measures works well across the supply chain and the businesses involved are best placed to provide feedback,” he said.
“Funding will be available to smooth the transition.
“So if you are in the sheep and goats industry please tell us where you think the government can best help out.”
Mr Shaw said the government wanted to hear feedback on the topic from everyone involved in the industry, who might be affected, not just the producers.
“We are keen to hear from farming groups, industry associations, stock agents, sale yards, abattoirs and service providers,” he said.
Agriculture Victoria will coordinate information sessions and workshops to help farmers understand the system following the confirmation of the standards.
This will help producers, where appropriate, to use it to enhance on-farm decisions.
The consultation period will finish on September 30.
Feedback can be provided at the Agriculture Victoria website.
There will also be face-to-face consultation with peak industry bodies and other industry organisations.
A copy of the draft electronic sheep and goat standards, the transition package details and frequently asked questions can be found at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/sheepEID.