IMPORTERS looking to bring fodder into Victoria from interstate can apply for a plant biosecurity permit (PBP) through Agriculture Victoria to ensure biosecurity risks are properly managed.
AgVic is providing a free service to suppliers, transporters, and farmers to navigate permit requirements and expedite access to animal feed.
Ongoing drought conditions have created serious challenges for Victoria’s livestock industry, particularly a critical shortage of hay and fodder - so farmers are needing to look interstate for source supplies.
All imported fodder requires a PBP to manage key biosecurity risks, including annual ryegrass toxicity (found in all states except NT and Tasmania), green
snail (found in WA), red imported fire ant (found in QLD), and electric ant (found in QLD).
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AgVic chief plant health officer Stephen Dibley said all fodder imports would require a PBP, except for that coming from NT and Tasmania.
"Given the ongoing tough conditions across the state, AgVic is prioritising permit applications for fodder to make sure essential transport can be fast-tracked," Dr Dibley said.
"Once a PBP is submitted, our team will be in touch within two working days to discuss and assess the specifics of (an) import request."
Costs associated with the inspection of interstate fodder by Agriculture Victoria where it is required, will be waived.
For more information and to apply for a plant health permit, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/moving-plants-and-plant-products/plant-biosecurity-permit or
email it directly to market.access@agriculture.vic.gov.au
