Online traceability forum for farming community
The state’s farming community will get a chance to hear directly from NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders and Dougal Gordon from the NSW Department of Primary Industries about traceability reforms in the sheep and goat industries. Prompted by a foot and mouth disease scare, Australia’s agriculture ministers unanimously agreed to national traceability reform, including an move to a mandatory electronic ID system. NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said Annual Conference provided in-principle support for reform in light of heightened biosecurity risks, but wanted to see important conditions met. “Our Annual Conference delegates debated this at some length when it was announced, and they agreed there needs to be recognition of the costs associated with this reform,” Mr Martin said. “We want to see a affordable tags, financial support to adopt new technologies and a staged roll-out to ensure farmers aren’t left bearing the burden of these reforms.” Mr Martin said other important conditions included national harmonisation and industry consultation. “It will be extremely valuable to hear from the Minister and the Department on the advantages of this reform taking place, and how it might roll out in other states and territories,” he said. “So far, government has heeded requests that this reform process listens to the feedback of farmers, and this webinar is a great first step.” The webinar will be held from 7pm to 8pm on Wednesday, October 26. To register visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SaWng6kPRlmHkVlPkJ_Y_w
Date: Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Media Contact: Steve Mudd | 0429 011 690 | mudds@nswfarmers.org.au