Goat producers to vote on major industry levy increase

The Goat Industry Council of Australia (GICA) is urging producers to participate in an upcoming vote regarding a significant increase to the industry levy. The proposal seeks to raise the levy from 37.7 cents per head to 90 cents per goat transaction, marking the largest change to the industry's levy structure in nearly 30 years.

Producers will cast their votes during the Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) annual general meeting on Tuesday, 24 November. GICA President John Falkenhagen stated that the increase is essential to safeguard the industry's future by providing necessary investment in research and development, marketing, biosecurity, and the National Residue Survey.

Under the proposed plan, funding allocations would increase across several sectors. MLA marketing would rise from 10.5 cents to 31.5 cents per head, while MLA research and development would increase from 16.7 cents to 27 cents, with matching funds provided by the Australian Government. Additionally, the share for Animal Health Australia would double from 4.5 cents to 9 cents.