June 30, 2006

Australia pumps more money into animal ID programme

The government is slating AUS$276,000 (US$205,000) to help implement the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) in the Australian state of Tasmania.

During the next three years, the funds would help producers acquire NLIS scanners, subsidise documentation transfer processes, provide training for electronic transfer of documents and pay for additional infrastructure. 

Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry Peter McGauran said the funding was an important step in building NLIS in Australia.

The funding is part of a A$15 million allocation to assist, implement, and manage the cattle component of the NLIS plan.

Proposals from other states would also receive funding over three years for a range of activities to implement NLIS.

Meanwhile, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has praised Queensland's beef producers for their acceptance of NLIS. 

11 million NLIS tags have so far been issued in Queensland, according to the DPI.

Spokesman Ron Glanville said the response so far has been pleasing.