Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence has announced $15 million for 22 projects that will strengthen Victoria’s biosecurity and safeguard livestock industries as part of the 2025 Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program.
Veterinary Support Services will use the Government’s investment of more than $102,000 to pilot FarmVet Connect – a new program giving early career vets a year working alongside beef and dairy farmers. These placements will allow them to build rural networks and relationships, and support veterinary and agriculture industry education and support.
Producers will play an active role, sharing insights from their own operations and welcoming vets into discussion groups, industry events, and social events. Up to 12 veterinarians in regional clinics will be matched with at least two local producers.
The Victorian Apiarists Association will use its combined funding of more than $205,000 to educate and inform beekeepers on the biosecurity risks posed by the Varroa mite, and for a research program to ensure the state retains healthy ironbark forests into the future.
The Victorian Farmers Federation’s will also use its grants of more than $1,660,000 to extend their Stock Sense program, helping it reach peri-urban areas and ensure owners and hobby farmers know how to keep their animals healthy.
Stock Sense works with local communities to raise awareness of biosecurity issues and preventative measures through educational workshops, webinars and resources.
Agriculture Victoria and the state’s livestock advisory committees developed the grant program which is funded through duties generated by the sale of cattle, sheep, goat and pigs and their carcasses in Victoria, and beekeeper registration fees.
For more information and the full list of successful recipients visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestockbiosecurityfunds
