Money for biosecurity

Representatives from Victoria’s farming community can apply for State Government grants aimed at developing innovative solutions to strengthen livestock biosecurity.

Grants are available for projects that provide innovative solutions, use emerging technologies and resolve livestock biosecurity issues and needs or gaps for industries to prevent, monitor and control diseases in Victorian livestock.

Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes launched the Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program, designed to benefit Victoria’s cattle, sheep, goat, pig and honeybee industries.

“Biosecurity is fundamental to the wellbeing and prosperity of our agricultural sector,” she said.

“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.”

Applications are 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.

Applications are open until June 26. Further details on how to apply can be found at agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestockbiosecurityfunds.