It comes just a few weeks after the NSW Farmers Association warned it would review its support for mandated traceability reforms unless continued funding for the transition is delivered, alongside eID tag-free pathways.
The previous support program ended on December 31.
The rollout of the eID program is part of the government's more than $1 billion biosecurity investment to protect and secure the agricultural sector.
Under the latest rebate program, eligible farmers and others can claim a 50 per cent rebate, up to a maximum of $1,500, on the purchase of a handheld eID reader.
The rebate will be made available in early March 2026.
The latest round of funding is being offered to producers and livestock agents who may have missed out on the initial infrastructure rebate scheme in 2023.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said many producers and livestock agents are now recognising the practical value of this equipment, not just for meeting mandatory requirements such as property-to-property stock movements, but also for improving on-farm management through the collection of accurate individual animal data.
This information helps farmers make better-informed decisions, strengthening productivity, especially during challenging or variable seasonal conditions.
“The equipment rebate is part of the ongoing financial support for primary producers in the transition to electronic IDs,” Ms Moriarty said.
“Sheep and goat producers, along with livestock agents will benefit from this rebate, targeted specifically to reduce the cost of meeting mandatory eID requirements.
“This program ensures NSW producers will continue to lead the world in biosecurity safety and maintain their export premiums.”
The equipment rebate follows strong uptake of eID tags, with some 15.2 million eID tags purchased since November 2024, more than 1.79 million eIDs scanned in saleyards in 2025 and about 22.4 per cent of sheep and goats coming through saleyards already equipped with an eID.
The NSW Government has committed $41 million for the implementation of mandatory electronic identification for sheep and goats in the state overall - the largest funding commitment of any state or territory.
