Hay is on the move as dry conditions continue.

AGRICULTURE Victoria is offering a free biosecurity service with a two-day permit request response turnaround for Victorian farmers and others looking to bring fodder into the state.

Agriculture Victoria said farmers and importers should apply for a Plant Biosecurity Permit or PBP to ensure biosecurity risks are properly managed.

The agency said 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.

However, all imported fodder requires a PBP to manage key biosecurity risks from entering Victoria from interstate, including Annual Ryegrass Toxicity (found in all states but NT and Tasmania), Green Snail (found in WA), Red Imported Fire Ant (found in QLD), and Electric Ant (found in QLD).

Agriculture Victoria chief plant health officer Dr Stephen Dibley said all fodder imports will require a PBP, except for NT and Tasmania.

“Given the ongoing tough conditions across the state, Agriculture Victoria is prioritising permit applications for fodder to make sure essential transport can be fast tracked,” Dr Dibley said.

“Once a Plant Biosecurity Permit is submitted, our team will be in touch within two working days to discuss and assess the specifics of your import request,” he said.

Costs associated with the inspection of interstate fodder by Agriculture Victoria where it is required, will be waived, the agency said.

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 [email protected]

Agriculture Victoria said it is actively monitoring seasonal, economic and social conditions across the state, and this information is used to continuously inform the government on current and emerging conditions and pressures in the farming community.

Farmers under financial stress as a result of drought or other pressures can access support and resources 365 days a year. This includes:

• Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) – free and confidential business planning support – https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/business-management/farm-debt-mediation/rural-financial-counselling-service
• Farm Household Allowance (FHA) program – a fortnightly Commonwealth Government payment – www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/farm-household-allowance
• Regional Investment Corporation low interest drought loans of up to $2 million – to assist farmers to prepare for, manage and recover from drought – www.ric.gov.au/loans
• Local governments also offer rate hardship policies.
• Ongoing supports are outlined in Agriculture Victoria Resource Directory, available at https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/floods/recovery-resources-and-events/resource-directory

For the most current information on available drought and dry seasonal conditions support visit

www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.