The Australian Government is providing a $1.1 million towards establishing national traceability arrangements for all horses.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud said the funding would contribute to the continued progress towards recommendations from the National Horse Traceability Working Group.

“Horses and maintaining their health status are part of the rural social fabric on which Australian agriculture’s continued productivity relies,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Reliable national horse identification and traceability supports good biosecurity, exports, food safety and animal welfare outcomes.

“The Australian Government is prepared to do its part, to support the horse industry and state and territory regulators, to kick-start practical traceability arrangements that benefit the horse industry and community.

“Establishing appropriate national arrangements will also help to bolster trading partners’ confidence in our arrangements, including animal welfare attributes — and in turn assist access for horse product exports to markets.

“Horse traceability will safeguard our rural and regional industries and communities and the enviable horse health status on which they rely.

“Agriculture ministers established the working group, which comprises state, territory and Commonwealth officials as well as horse industry and interest group representatives. I thank Victoria for its work in leading this work.

“The Australian Government’s funding contribution will support the group to up the tempo on its efforts to resolve recommendations on the form and implementation of national horse traceability arrangements.

“I look forward to receiving, alongside my state and territory ministerial colleagues, the advice of the working group.”

Source: Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia