The Victorian Government’s announcement that it will require all sheep and goats born in Victoria after January 1, 2017 to have an electronic ear tag is a short-sighted and disappointing decision.
As an industry, we always welcome improvements to our traceability systems but it is important that we take a nationally consistent approach.
Having Victoria operate under one system while other states operate under another is impractical and sends a poor message to our trading partners.
It is particularly disappointing that Victoria has made a decision that will have national ramifications with little or no national consultation and a start date of just a few months away.
Our current system is simple, effective and suitable for Australian production and conditions. Under the current mob-based system, each animal has an eartag stamped with a property identification code from where the animal originated. A national vendor declaration accompanies each mob to provide traceability.
I must point out that we are not opposed to the use of electronic identification if it is appropriate for individual businesses.
AgForce Sheep and Wool supports the voluntary rather than mandatory use of accredited electronic identification, with producers given the option to use the technology they choose.
While the Victorian government has said it will initially subsidise tag costs, the cost of infrastructure upgrades and tags in the long term will be passed on to producers.
In Queensland, the drought means that many sheep producers are six to eight years away from full production and full profitability, and in the short term, face numerous competing needs for capital such as restocking, exclusion fencing, bore capping and piping.
Queensland’s sheep industry just does not have the financial capacity to implement electronic identification.
AgForce Sheep and Wool is working closely with the sheep and goat peak industry bodies to consider the ramifications of the Victorian government’s short-sighted decision and how we ensure the best possible outcome for sheep and goat producers right across Australia.
