WoolProducers Australia welcomed the Government’s announcement around biosecurity in the Federal Budget handed down last night, specifically in relation to traceability reform.
In the Budget, the Government has provided $134.1 million commitment over four years from 2022–23 to strengthen biosecurity capability in Australia and support neighbouring countries to address the risk of exotic animal diseases, including foot and mouth disease.
As part of this biosecurity spend announcement the Government has made a commitment to co-invest with state and territory governments to allocate $46.7 million for continuous improvement of livestock traceability systems and the promotion of on-farm biosecurity.
WoolProducers President, Mr Ed Storey said “Following the announcement by the Australian Agriculture Ministers (AAM) Forum in July that individual electronic identification devices (eIDs) would be mandated for sheep and goats under the National Livestock Identification Scheme, WoolProducers have committed enormous resources to participating in the deliberations of this roll-out and therefore welcome this commitment from the Commonwealth”.
“We look forward to seeing what the states deliver as part of their co-investment obligations”.
“Biosecurity is a shared responsibility and farmers are willing and able to play our part, we expect to see significant investment from all parties on this issue and this announcement is a good start”. Mr Storey said.
Of the $46.7 million committed to enhance livestock traceability, $20.1million will be allocated for Special Purpose Payments for co-investment with States and Territories to support industry traceability improvements, including to support transition to a nationally harmonised individual electronic identification (eID) system for sheep and goats.
The remaining $26.6 million will be spent on upgrading the livestock traceability database as part of broader traceability reform.
“WoolProducers is really pleased to see the focus on broader traceability reform by the Government, which is an integral part of our traceability policy and also aligns with the SAFEMEAT recommendations, of which WoolProducers also supports”.
“This level of financial commitment from the Commonwealth facilitates enhanced protection to Australia’s livestock industries and our ability to respond to serious emergency animal disease (EAD) incursion, while also supporting our favourable market access and delivering supply chain transparency.” Mr Storey said.
WoolProducers have been seeking a sustainable funding mechanism for the enhancement and maintenance of Australia’s biosecurity system, which did not feature in last night’s Budget, however, understands that the Government will soon start consultation to develop this instrument.
“At a time when the threat of an EAD is at the forefront of industry and Government focus, we strongly believe that the long-called for sustainable funding mechanism needs to be implemented as soon as possible to move away from the ad-hoc spend in this area”
“WoolProducers looks forward to providing input into this process”. Mr Storey said.
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WoolProducers Australia contacts:
Jo Hall, CEO
0488 554 811
Ed Storey, President
0438 309 500
About WoolProducers’ Australia WoolProducers plays a critical role in working closely with companies and entities funded by woolgrower funds including compulsory levies or fees for service.
Our mission is to develop constructive and profitable outcomes for woolgrowers nationally.
The agency is responsible for appointing a director to each of the Australian Wool Exchange and the Australia Wool Testing Authority, promoting good corporate governance and ensuring that the interests of growers are met.
WoolProducers maintains a working relationship with Australian Wool Innovation as the voice of woolgrower shareholders. It aims to contribute to AWI’s programs for the benefit of growers, promoting responsible use of levy funds and ensuring good corporate governance.
WoolProducers is the sole wool industry member of Animal Health Australia, and as such, carries a significant responsibility for decision making on behalf of the industry in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak.
As the only wool grower organisation with membership of the National Farmers’ Federation, WoolProducers is responsible for providing key policy advice on behalf of our members, and other wool growers, to Australia’s peak farm body.
As the only wool grower organisation with membership of the National Farmers’ Federation, WoolProducers is responsible for providing key policy advice on behalf of our members, and other wool growers, to Australia’s peak farm body.
WoolProducers also works closely with the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on key issues such as animal health and welfare, biosecurity, pest management control, natural resource management, drought preparedness, emergency animal disease outbreak preparedness and industry development, including research and trade.
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