Under a new SA Govenrment subsidy program, individual Sheep electronic identification tags will cost less than a dollar for producers.
The $9.3 million package includes a 50% subsidy for tag costs and a 75% subsidy for essential infrastructure upgrades.
The subsidy aims to encourage early adoption of eID tags, in line with the national mandatory start date of January 1, 2025.
The initiative is driven by the need to enhance biosecurity measures and improve traceability in the livestock industry, particularly in response to potential outbreaks of diseases like foot and mouth disease.
While some sheep producers have expressed opposition to mandatory tagging, the government’s decision to deny exemptions is based on the need for national harmonization and the positive experience of Victoria, which has already implemented eID tags.
The subsidy program applies to lambs and kids born after January 2023 and fitted with eID tags.
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