Applications are now open for the second round of the Minns Government’s eID rebate program which offers eligible farmers and others a 50 per cent rebate, up to a maximum of $1,500, for the purchase of a handheld eID reader.
The latest $2 million round comes on top of the strong uptake of the eID Tag Discount program, with more than 15.5 million discounted eID tags purchased under the program since November 2024.
The NSW Government, with the support of the Federal Government, has committed $41 million to implement the Federally mandated electronic identification for sheep and goats in the state – the largest funding commitment of any state or territory.
The roll out of the eID program is part of the Minns Government’s more than $1 billion biosecurity investment to protect and secure the State’s agricultural industries.
Since 1 January 2025, more than 3.5 million electronic identification tags have been scanned at NSW saleyards, and in 2026 approximately 58.8 per cent of sheep and goats moving through saleyards are already equipped with an eID.
Under current transitional arrangements, older animals are not required to have an individual eID until 1 January 2027. As younger, electronically tagged animals progressively replace older stock, overall uptake will continue to rise.
The handheld equipment provides practical support for producers and agents helping them meet mandatory requirements, while also improving on-farm management through the collection of accurate individual animal data.
Access to reliable traceability systems strengthens biosecurity response capability and supports continued market access.
Applications close at 4pm 31 August 2026 (AEST).
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:
“We’re encouraging all eligible producers to apply and make the most of this financial support.
“This funding helps sheep and goat producers, as well as livestock agents, offset the cost of meeting mandatory eID requirements and ease the shift to the new system.
“This program is vital in ensuring NSW producers remain global leaders in biosecurity and continue to secure premium access to export markets.
“We will continue working with producers, agents, saleyards and processors to implement eID in their operations.”
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