The Victorian Government is continuing to strengthen animal health and biosecurity through grants for projects that prevent, monitor and control diseases in Victorian livestock.
Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes today launched the Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program, which will benefit Victoria’s cattle, sheep, goat, pig and honeybee industries.
Grants are available for projects that provide innovative solutions, use emerging technologies and resolve livestock biosecurity issues, needs or gaps for these local industries.
These industries play a crucial role in the Victorian economy, underpinning the state’s $14.9 billion agricultural sector.
Applications are being invited from the private sector, universities and research institutions, co-operatives and local government.
This year’s grant program includes new guidelines that identify priority investment areas, as well as a new online application process. Grants have previously funded projects such as anthrax vaccinations for swine, significant disease investigation training for veterinarians and educational events for peri-urban producers.
Changes to legislation last year through the Primary Industries Legislation Amendment Act 2019 mean that more money is available for programs, particularly for cattle, sheep and goat industries.
The 2020 Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program has been developed in partnership with the livestock compensation advisory committees for cattle, sheep and goat, swine and honeybees.
Applications for the grants program are open and will run until 26 June. Further details on how to apply can be found at .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes
“Biosecurity is fundamental to the wellbeing and prosperity of our agricultural sector. Exotic pests and diseases can threaten this – so we need to be proactive in developing the best defences possible.”
“We have a track record in Victoria in identifying and managing biosecurity risks, but we are always facing new threats. This grants program will help us meet those emerging challenges.”
Reviewed 13 August 2020