The eID by council will apply for all sheep movements off the farm, at saleyards and abattoirs.
Council’s investigative work will include required infrastructure modification, equipment, software and procedures. A report in six months time on specific requirements at Corowa Saleyards must be provided to NSW DPI.
In September 2022, all agricultural ministers in Australia agreed to work towards mandatory implementation of sheep and goat eID system nation-wide by 1 January 2025.
The frequency of biosecurity incursions and the associated economic, community and environmental risks and impacts are increasing. NSW is the largest sheep and goat producing state in Australia, with State sheep numbers reaching 24.6 million head in the 2021-22 year.
“Accurate and timely traceability is essential to reduce the time to respond and manage disease or residue incidents, and to provide confidence to consumers,” Federation Council’s director development and environmental services Susan Appleyard told council’s monthly meeting on May 30.
“NSW DPI and representatives from sectors across the sheep and goat industries have worked together closely to develop an implementation plan for mandatory sheep and goat eID system in NSW.”
Future funding will be available to support the rollout of infrastructure necessary for mandatory eID based on the Phase 1 Planning and Design exercise.
