Monday, 2 August 2021
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall has today announced the opening of the zinc phosphide rebate program for farmers as part of the NSW Government’s $150 million mice support package.
Mr Marshall said primary producers intending to lay defenses against a spring surge in mice numbers were encouraged to apply for the 50 per cent rebate, of up to $10,000.
“These rodents pose a serious threat to the upcoming harvest so we want to ensure farmers have the support they need to bait their paddocks and protect their crops,” Mr Marshall said.
“We have made $100 million available for zinc phosphide rebates which means farmers can apply for a one-off rebate of 50 per cent of the cost of purchasing zinc phosphide-based baits, up to $10,000.
“We have worked closely with NSW Farmers to ensure the eligibility requirements are fit for purpose and provide support to farmers who need it most.”
Mr Marshall said with stronger zinc phosphide based baits now available, farmers would be well equipped to face an expected spring surge of mice numbers, when the weather warmed up.
“Zinc phosphide is the best tool we have in managing the mice plague in crops, so this rebate will go a long way to support our growers, covering some of those costs,” Mr Marshall said.
“I urge farmers to start monitoring mice numbers on their farms right now and start planning how they will manage the impacts as the population increases as we approach harvest.”
Eligible zinc phosphide based bait purchased from 1 January 2021 until 17 December 2021 will be eligible for the rebate scheme with final invoices to be submitted by 28 January 2022. The program is being administered by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority.
The NSW Government’s advisory committee will continue to support primary producers and regional communities well into 2022 in recognition of the impact mice has on our communities and the strong likelihood of a spring surge in mice numbers.
For more information about the zinc phosphide rebate program, and to apply, visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au