As part of the national transition to electronic identification (eID) for sheep and farmed goats, the State Government has released details and guidelines of its rebate scheme aimed at assisting livestock saleyards and processors to implement the required equipment and infrastructure.


The rebate scheme is available to South Australian saleyards and processors to set up essential equipment and infrastructure required to scan and meet regulatory obligations under the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) for recording and reporting of individual sheep and farmed goat movements.


Eligible saleyards and processors will be able to apply for a 75% rebate on the total cost of essential equipment (including hardware and software) and infrastructure (essential structural modifications) to ensure they are fully equipped to meet their regulatory obligations.


The rebate will apply only on purchases that have been incurred since June 8, 2023.


Quantity or cost limits on items of essential equipment, software and infrastructure have been set under the rebate scheme based on the size of the eligible saleyard or processor operations.


The quantity and cost limits detailed in the guidelines are based on modelling carried out on behalf of the National Sheep and Goat Traceability Taskforce – which featured input from national livestock peak bodies, major processors, and state departments – as well as modelling undertaken by ACIL Allen.


Where an applicant requires equipment or infrastructure above or different to the quantity limits set out in the guidelines, the applicant will be required to submit a needs analysis to PIRSA for independent technical assessment.


It is recommended the needs analysis be submitted and assessed prior to purchasing additional infrastructure or equipment.


The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is organising targeted information sessions with saleyards and processors to support the rebate application process in the new year.


To be eligible for the rebate, saleyards and processors must have an active South Australian Saleyard Property Identification Code (PIC) and have an active NLIS database account.


The Sheep and Goat eID Implementation Essential Equipment and Infrastructure Rebate for saleyards and processors will be open until June 30, 2025.


For further information on the rebate scheme visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/eid


Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said the State Government recognised that saleyards and processors were facing upfront costs to transition to electronic recording of the movement of sheep and farmed goats.


“This funding will ensure essential equipment and infrastructure are in place to support the recording and reporting of individual sheep and farmved goats in the NLIS database,” she said.


“Moving from the current visual device and mob-based approach to eID for sheep and farmed goats on a national level is significant.


The outbreaks of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Indonesia have highlighted the need for reliable traceability.


“Having the best possible traceability system is a key platform in protecting our $2.96b livestock industry.”