The Australian government has confirmed the approval of funds for an industry-led research and development levy. Under the levy breeders will pay $10 per mare and $10 per stallion return, which will be matched by the federal government. It is expected this will generate around A$1-million per year to put towards research that will benefit the Thoroughbred breeding industry.
Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said, “The breeding and racing industry is something that is very important to regional Australia and to me personally. The breeders made it very clear to me that this levy was something they needed and I went in to bat for it in Cabinet. There was some opposition but I'm glad I was able to deliver on it.”
Other agricultural industries that receive government funding in such a way in Australia include cotton, beef and grains. Areas of likely focus for research include prevention and management of exotic and indigenous diseases; improving conception rates; and efforts to reduce fetal loss caused by contagious diseases.
“Getting the government to commit to this important levy was something the TBA board made clear was a priority when I joined the organisation,” said Thoroughbred Breeders Australia chief executive Tom Reilly. “We are in the process of selecting the board which will oversee the spending of the funds and there will be a strong presence of breeders to ensure the money goes towards projects that return real benefits to the breeding industry.”
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