Closing in on 1 million new electronic tags supported by government rebate scheme

New data from the Department of NRE Tasmania shows that there’s been a significant uptake of the new electronic identification [eID] tag rebate scheme for Tasmanian sheep farmers.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said all states and territories are working towards a harmonised framework and implementation timeline for a national sheep and goat traceability system, from 1 January 2025.

“To help make this change happen in Tasmania the Government stepped in to support our farmers, suppliers and livestock facilities by providing a range of eID tag and equipment rebates,” Minister Howlett said.

In the period 1 June – 24 September 2024 a total of 856,360 sheep tags and 264 goat tags have been sold, representing approximately $856,624 dollars in tag rebates paid to producers through the Government’s support scheme.

Minister Howlett said the strong uptake of eID tags proved that Tasmanian farmers see the benefits in strengthening identification, and are getting prepared.

“The decision to move nationally to electronic identification for sheep and goats was made by all Agriculture Ministers to improve our ability to trace animals in the event of emergency diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease and to maintain our access to international markets for sheep and goat meat and wool,” Minister Howlett said.

“Our livestock industry is a huge part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, and I will always back our Tasmanian farmers and producers - that’s why we have delivered this program of support.

“Traceability through eIDs will further protect our agriculture industry and is a valuable on-farm and off-farm tool."

For more information on the Sheep and Goat eID Project and grants available visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/eID