Goat producers are being urged not to sit out a vote on the biggest change to their industry levy in nearly 30 years.
The Goat Industry Council of Australia (GICA) wants the levy lifted from 37.7 cents per head to 90 cents per goat transaction. Producers will vote on the proposal at Meat and Livestock Australia’s (MLA) annual general meeting on Tuesday, 24 November.
GICA says it does not want complacency to derail what it calls the best opportunity in decades to invest in the future of the goat sector.
GICA President John Falkenhagen, who outlined the proposal earlier this year, said a series of rural and regional engagement events had generally backed the change, but turnout could have been better.
“In less than two months our goat producers, have an opportunity at MLA’s AGM to vote for change that will safeguard the future of our industry,” Falkenhagen said.
“I would have liked to have met with every one of our 2500 levy payers but that simply hasn’t been possible.”
“Some of those who did turn up, were initially against the levy increase without knowing the full details of where the funding would go and what the results would be.”
“Once I had the chance to explain those details and answer their questions almost universally, they supported the proposal.”
Falkenhagen said the increase was essential to the future of the industry and in the best interests of everyone connected with goat production.
“Lots of things have changed since 1997 – but not our levy,” he said.
“We need to invest more in our industry in research and development, marketing, biosecurity and the National Residue Survey.”
Under the proposal, all four areas funded by the levy would get more money.
MLA marketing would rise from 10.5 cents to 31.5 cents per head. MLA research and development would go from 16.7 cents to 27 cents, matched by Australian Government funding.
The Animal Health Australia share would double from 4.5 cents to 9 cents, and the National Residue Survey would jump from 6 cents to 22.5 cents.
Webinars and online meetings have also been held to give producers a chance to hear about the plan and ask questions.
GICA will hold one more live online event on Tuesday, 6 October, from 7pm to 8pm AEDT (6pm in Brisbane, 6.30pm in Adelaide, 5.30pm in Darwin, and 4pm in Perth), for anyone with questions.
“It is entirely up to each individual whether they support the proposal or not, but I would hope that voters understand the reasons for the extra investment before they make their decision,” Falkenhagen said.
Registration for the live event is here.
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