The State Government has funding available to help bolster Victoria’s biosecurity system, for projects that help prevent, monitor, and control pests and diseases in livestock.
Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence, said applications were open 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.
“These grants result in cutting-edge projects that safeguard against pests and diseases in livestock, which supports our farmers and helps preserve Victorian agriculture,” Ms Spence said.
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.
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 April 15, to apply visit the AgVic website.
