The Allan Labor Government is bolstering Victoria’s biosecurity system with funding for projects that help prevent, monitor, and control pests and diseases in livestock.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today opened applications for the 2024 Livestock Biosecurity Funds grants program.
Victoria will continue to face new and emerging biosecurity risks – driven by climate change, increasing trade and travel, and changing land use – and innovative new solutions are critical to protecting Victoria’s $20 billion agriculture industry.
The Livestock Biosecurity Fund grants program supports projects that adopt new and emerging technologies to respond to livestock biosecurity issues, encourage collaboration, and deliver quantifiable benefits to the livestock industry.
Agriculture Victoria and the state’s livestock compensation advisory committees developed the grants program which is funded through duties generated by the sale of cattle, sheep, goat and pigs and their carcasses in Victoria, and using beekeeper registration fees.
Prospective applicants joined an online forum today to hear from the livestock compensation advisory committees about what they are hoping to see in applications this round.
Previously funded projects included the Victorian Farmers Federation popular producer-led Stock Sense Livestock program, which received $2.19 million over the past four years. The program helps Victorian livestock producers adopt animal health and production practices that improve animal welfare and Victoria’s biosecurity status.
Another project supported through the program is the Electronic National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) (Sheep) tags. This has helped maintain the low-disease status of Victoria’s sheep and goat industries and protects Victoria’s reputation in domestic and export markets as a supplier of wholesome meat and dairy products.
Applications close on 15 April, to apply visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestockbiosecurityfunds.
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
“These grants result in cutting-edge projects that safeguard against pests and diseases in livestock, which supports our farmers and helps preserve Victorian agriculture.”
As stated by Cattle Compensation Advisory Committee Chair Ron Harris
“The Livestock Biosecurity Fund reinvests duties into the industry to help meet emerging biosecurity challenges head on, for the benefit of all livestock producers.”
