The NSW authorities is hoping it may well remodel the state’s booming goat trade right into a high-value, world-leading sector, with new funding to help goat farmers into the longer term.
Some $1.2 million shall be invested into the Going Ahead with Goats program, to modernise goat manufacturing throughout NSW and enhance farming biosecurity, Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders mentioned on Tuesday.
“Australia is the largest exporter of goat meat in the world, and NSW graziers are the driving force behind this rapidly growing industry,” Mr Saunders mentioned.
“Last financial year alone, exports generated a whopping $298 million, providing a critical income for producers in western NSW.
“The goat sector has grown to turn out to be a significant contributor to our agriculture sector, and we need to work with graziers to take this trade to the following stage.”
The Going Ahead with Goats program will give farmers a framework on future investment around goat reproducing, grazing, genetics and goat health, which will help them keep their herds healthy.
The announcement comes after Mr Saunders’ recent visit to the Thomas Foods International goat abattoir, which was given a $5 million grant from the government’s $140 million Regional Job Creation Fund.
The abattoir, based mostly at Bourke, used the grant to improve its facility and create extra jobs.
