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Cattle Industry Fund secure

Wednesday 22 April 2009

Funding for programs to support South Australia’s beef and dairy industries is secure with an increase in producers’ contribution to the state’s Cattle Industry Fund.

The SA Cattle Advisory Group (SACAG), with representatives from all major sectors of the beef and dairy industries, provides advice to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Paul Caica on how the funds should be used and recommended the contribution increase.

SACAG Chair Andy Withers said the Fund is used to support animal health and market access projects.

“These projects are vital in protecting and growing the State’s cattle industries,” said Mr Withers.

Cattle producers contribute to the fund when they purchase electronic ear tags.  The cost of the tags will increase by five cents to make the contribution to the Fund $0.55 per device.

“SACAG liaised with industry bodies and had their full support in making the decision to increase the contribution rate,” he said.

“We need to maintain the Fund at a viable level and an increase in the contribution from cattle producers is necessary.

“We have commitments to provide funding for the Dairy ManaJD program, the Enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL) control program, National Livestock Identification (NLIS) support, as well as trade risk management (involving residues and hormone growth promotants) and the More Beef from Pastures program.

“Increasingly these are industry funded programs and we need to maintain the integrity of the Fund to guarantee the benefits to producers.”