South Australian eID Industry Advisory Committee

Key items of discussion and outcomes included:

• Members provided feedback on the first month of eID implementation with key points raised by members:
  • Equipment installation delays
    • Some processors are experiencing delays in installation and hand held wands are being used as an interim measure.
    • Saleyards outlined some challenges including equipment supply and securing contractors.
    • PIRSA encouraged saleyards to update PIRSA regularly regarding installation progress and issues.
  • Essential equipment rebate (Producers)
    • Eligibility requirements exclude some producers and schools from applying.
    • PIRSA will scope an essential equipment rebate for schools.
  • Producer understanding of eID tagging requirements
    • A successful ‘Are ewe eID ready?’ campaign was delivered in the lead up to 1 January 2025.
    • Further communication is required to ensure producers understand their eID tagging requirements, and National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) reporting and recording obligations.
    • PIRSA will continue to deliver extension activities for producers to increase awareness and understanding. PIRSA will update key messages including in relation to tag retention.
  • Compliance
    • Members sought clarity from PIRSA on the compliance approach with specific questions relating to tagging requirements and scanning rates in SA.
    • PIRSA confirmed the expectation is for 100% tagging rate (as per previous requirements), and compliance includes a combination of education and enforcement with a range of tools available to PIRSA to enhance compliance.
    • Saleyards raised concerns about the additional time required to input non-readers or unread tags. PIRSA will reach out to Victoria to obtain insights.
  • Supporting full transition to eID by 1 January 2027
    • Members outlined education is an essential component to support producers and other areas of the supply chain. Key areas include:
      • tag requirements
      • producer responsibilities for property to property movements (P2P)
      • recording and reporting into the NLIS database.
    • Members outlined the importance of targeted extension for agents especially as they work closely with producers.
    • With increased challenges and pressures facing producers, members recommended extending the current eID Tag discount beyond 30 June 2025 to provide immediate relief for producers.
    • Members agreed that jurisdictions and industry need to continue to partner including in the areas of communications and ensuring consistent approach to adoption.

The next meeting of the Industry Advisory Committee is planned for March 2025.

Key items for discussion at the next meeting include saleyard readiness for 1 July 2025.

Key items of discussion and outcomes included:

• Amendments to Livestock Regulations 2013
  • PIRSA provided an overview of feedback received during consultation which was generally supportive of the proposed changes.
  • There was strong interest in the compliance approach and extension activities around legal obligations.
• eID Compliance Plan
  • PIRSA is developing an eID Compliance Plan to support eID implementation from 1 January 2025.
  • Compliance will be a combination of education and enforcement and the plan will recognise the tools available to PIRSA to enhance compliance.
• Grants and Rebate Update
  • Members raised specific concerns about current support:
    • Tag rebate and point of sale tag discount ends 30 June 2025 which is in the middle of lamb marking.
    • Some producers will need to double tag from 1 January 2027, especially ewes kept beyond 5 years.
  • Members discussed recording and reporting obligations and key commencement dates
    • Government funding model may also impact some saleyards from investing in essential equipment and infrastructure.
    • Engaging with AgShows as soon as possible to ensure they understand their obligations and determine what scanning equipment will best suit their needs.
    • Engagement with hobby famers is important to ensure they understand and meet their obligations.

The next meeting of the Industry Advisory Committee is planned for February 2025.

Key items for discussion at the next meeting include industry experiences with the first month of mandatory eID scanning.

Key items of discussion and outcomes included:

• Amendments to Livestock Regulations 2013
  • PIRSA provided an overview of the scope of changes to the Livestock Regulations 2013 required to implement minimum essential requirements for the electronic identification of sheep and farmed goats in South Australia.
  • Members provided feedback and noted further opportunity for feedback through the targeted consultation process.

Key items of discussion and outcomes included:

• eID Advantage Program
  • Members noted $900,000 in funding has been provided to deliver a 3-year eID Advantage Program to improve producer knowledge and understanding of changed responsibilities under the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).
  • Members outlined the value in utilising the expertise of the Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) to provide general feedback on project extension activities to be delivered under the eID Advantage Program.
  • PIRSA will provide regular updates to IAC on the eID Advantage Program. Individual members will be approached for input and expertise outside of formal IAC meetings.
• Grants Program update
  • PIRSA sought advice from members on the current scope of the grants program and whether the supply chain is appropriately covered.
  • Members outlined a need to continue to provide clear messaging about roles and responsibilities across the supply chain, and a particular effort on hobby farmers and small producers.

The next meeting of the IAC is planned for September 2024. This meeting will focus on amendments to the Livestock Regulations.

Key items of discussion and outcomes included:

• National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) Sheep and Goat Standards (June 2024)
  • Members noted the NLIS Sheep and Goat Standards were signed off by SAFEMEAT Partners in June 2024.
  • Members highlighted the importance of communicating the updated NLIS Standards to industry.
• Livestock Regulations review
  • Members noted amendments to the Livestock Regulations are required, with a key focus on minimum essential requirements to support South Australia’s transition to eID in accordance with the announced tagging and scanning dates.
  • PIRSA recognises that there will be a period of transition for producers and period of practice change across the supply chain. This will be supported by education and technical extension.
• Essential Equipment and Infrastructure Rebate (Saleyards)
  • Saleyards expressed concerns regarding the outcomes of their Needs Analysis independent technical assessment. They indicated delays in resolution may impact their ability to meet a 1 July 2025 timeframe for mandatory scanning.
  • PIRSA is convening a meeting with the three saleyards (Dublin, Mount Gambier and Naracoorte) and respective Councils to discuss their concerns.
• Tagging of ewes
  • Members outlined that some producers will be keeping ewes beyond 5 years and this will result in some double tagging. This will create increased costs even though the initial tagging was compliant.
  • It was noted that producers keeping ewes beyond 2027, can consider tagging now, and tagging ewes when they are younger will be easier.  PIRSA agreed to place the tagging of ewes on the issues register.

Key items of discussion and outcomes included:

• Essential equipment requirements for producers
  • Members provided feedback on essential equipment rebate options to assist eligible producers who have specific NLIS reporting and recording obligations, which require scanning equipment.
  • Members agreed a flat rate of 75% rebate up to a maximum dollar value, with different rates based on number of head moved onto property directly from another property.
  • Members provided advice on the equipment eligible for the rebate. PIRSA will further scope eligibility criteria including who can apply, what equipment and the level of rebate and provide options to the Minister for consideration.
• Essential equipment requirements for stock agents
  • Members provided feedback on essential equipment rebate to assist agents who have specific NLIS reporting and recording obligations, which require scanning equipment.
  • PIRSA will further scope eligibility criteria including who can apply, what equipment and the level of rebate for consideration by IAC.
• Essential equipment and infrastructure rebate – saleyard and processors
  • Three Needs Analysis have been received to date and are undergoing technical assessment.
  • Members discussed possible reasons why only a small number of Needs Analysis have been submitted. Members will reach out through their networks to provide further insights to any barriers and provide feedback to PIRSA.
  • Members were supportive of setting a due date for processors and saleyards to submit their Needs Analysis ahead of the rebate close date of 30 June 2025.
• Communication and extension
  • It is important that tag resellers are provided with up to date eID information to display onsite, as they are often the key point of contact for producers. Printed materials should be provided where feasible.
  • Members reiterated the importance of technical extension as fundamental to the success of eID implementation, as demonstrated in Victoria.
  • Members discussed tag retention rates, producer tips and instruction for tag placement. Tag manufacturers include instructions with tag orders and there are explainer videos online.  It was agreed that it is a national issue and should be raised at the Sheep and Goat Traceability Taskforce.

Key items for discussion at the next meeting include agent rebates for essential equipment and infrastructure and an update on eID tag statistics will be provided.

The next meeting of the Industry Advisory Committee is planned for July 2024.

Key items of discussion and outcomes included:

• It is important producers note that "Sheep and goats born before 1 January 2025 DO NOT need an eID tag if sold or processed before 1 January 2027 – an NLIS visual tag will satisfy NLIS requirements for these animals."
• Current eID tag discount and eID tag rebate arrangements for producers
  • Members agreed advice on options relating to rebate for 'off-year' colours.
  • PIRSA will forward the advice to the Minister for consideration.
• Essential equipment requirements for producers
  • There was broad discussion on what a producer rebate should constitute.
  • PIRSA will further scope eligibility criteria including who can apply, what equipment and the level of rebate. A further paper will be provided to the IAC for review to inform the development of rebate guidelines.
• Essential equipment requirements for stock agents
  • Agents have specific NLIS recording and reporting obligations, which require scanning equipment.
  • Agents play an important role in the supply chain such as assisting producers with recording and uploading P2P movements and online auction purchases however it is still the purchaser's responsibility to ensure the movements on the database have taken place if a third party has facilitated the transfer on their behalf.
  • Agent representatives outlined it is essential that agents have scanning equipment for these purposes, and that eligibility requirements should account for the producer and agent relationship.
• Scanning dates for processors (1 January 2025), saleyards (1 July 2025) and P2P movements (1 January 2025) have been announced and the review of the Livestock Regulations 2013 is underway with amendments to be made by 1 January 2025.
• Communication and extension
  • Providing clear messaging about roles and responsibilities across the supply chain is essential.
  • The design of an expanded engagement and extension program is nearing completion and funding has been identified.
  • A range of communications and extension materials is being developed nationally and by each state and will be shared with IAC members.

Key items for discussion at the next meeting will include producer and agent rebates for essential equipment and infrastructure.

The next meeting of the Industry Advisory Committee is planned for mid-May 2024.

Key items of discussion and outcomes included:

• Point-of-sale discount arrangements are in place for eligible NLIS accredited eID tags purchased in 2024 and 2025. PIRSA committed to assisting resellers to understand arrangements and have point of sale materials to assist promotion to producers.
• Saleyards expressed frustration about the 75% rebate amount for essential equipment and infrastructure. PIRSA confirmed the 75% essential equipment and infrastructure rebate for saleyards and processors remains as outlined in the rebate Guidelines.
• PIRSA will reach out to all saleyards and processors and reaffirm the process for submitting a rebate application, and outline the requirement for a needs analysis if processors or saleyards require equipment or infrastructure different to quantity limits outlined in the Guidelines.
• Saleyards advised of uncertainty regarding purchase and installation timeframes, and concerns regarding ongoing operating and maintenance costs.
• Essential equipment requirements for producers and stock agents were discussed. PIRSA will further scope eligibility including who can apply and what equipment is eligible and provide to IAC for review to inform the development of rebate Guidelines.
• Members noted the need to review and amend the Livestock Regulations 2013 to accommodate the move from visual tags to eID tags and reporting of individual sheep and farmed goat movements in the NLIS database. Members indicated their support for targeted consultation over broad consultation.
• Communication and extension was discussed and the importance of providing clear messaging about roles and responsibilities across the supply chain for eID tag adoption, and NLIS scanning and reporting obligations.

Key items for discussion at the next meeting will include producer and agent rebates for essential equipment and infrastructure.

The next meeting of the Industry Advisory Committee is planned for early April 2024.

Key items of discussion at the second meeting included:

• understanding the critical pathway for the supply chain to be ready for mandatory scanning of individual sheep and farmed goats, including:
  • options for mandatory scanning dates for processors
  • saleyards and property-to-property movements
  • the advantages and challenges that need to be considered when setting dates
• eID device rebates (2023) and a need to continue actively promoting the rebate to producers
• the application process for saleyards and processors to access a 75% rebate for essential eID equipment and infrastructure – the release of guidelines is imminent, with applications opening in 2024
• eID tag discounts to commence on 1 January 2024, available to SA producers following agreement with the 5 tag manufacturers to provide a $0.95 discount per tag at point of sale
• NLIS database uplift project update to be completed in mid-2026 – Integrity Systems Company (ISC) confirmed the current NLIS database can accommodate increased data load required for recording individual sheep and farmed goat movements
• Technical Extension Plan priorities in 2024, to ensure industry stakeholders across the supply chain understand:
  • the mandatory requirements for eID implementation
  • their role in traceability and maintaining market access
• the importance of developing:
  • targeted communications and extension materials
  • opportunities to utilise the suite of tools and resources being developed nationally to support transition to eID.

A key item for discussion at the next meeting will include infrastructure rebate for producers.

Further work on mandatory scanning dates will be undertaken out of session.

The next meeting of the Industry Advisory Committee is planned for mid-February 2024.

At the inaugural meeting, members acknowledged the work undertaken by Livestock SA Sheep and Goat Traceability Steering Committee (SGTSC), to inform implementation of eID in South Australia.

Key items of discussion included:

• South Australia's work program to support eID implementation (Stage 1)
• eID device rebate (2023) eligibility requirements and application process
• essential infrastructure requirements for the supply chain, noting a priority focus on rebates for saleyards and processors
• a requirement to review and amend the Livestock Regulations to reflect the transition from mob-based visual recording to individual electronic recording of sheep and farmed goats
• targeted communications and extension materials that provide clear messaging about roles and responsibilities across the supply chain for eID tag adoption, scanning and reporting obligations through the NLIS database
• opportunities to utilise the suite of tools and resources being developed nationally to support transition to eID.

Future agenda items include extension materials and engagement; scanning dates for saleyards, processors, and property to property movements; and essential infrastructure requirements for the supply chain.