Unspent goat levies available for projects

26 September 2011

Unspent goat levies available for projects that benefit the industry

The $114,000 of unspent goat levies is forming a contestable fund for projects that will benefit the New Zealand goat meat industry.

Farmers voted to stop paying a goat meat levy in the referendum held in 2009 and Beef + Lamb New Zealand will oversee the allocation of the remaining levy funds.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand General Manager Farm, Richard Wakelin said it was envisaged the money could be split between up to six projects.

“Successful applications will demonstrate value to New Zealand goat meat farmers and be aligned to the activities under which the levy was collected in the first place.

“This means the funds could be invested in extension activities, a buck evaluation scheme, programmes to promote goat farming and individual goat groups for specialist support.”

Beef + Lamb New Zealand has been taking advice from Meat Goat New Zealand on the best use of this money and the organisation will continue to be closely involved through the project selection process.

Wakelin said applications are now open and close at 5 pm on 21 October 2011.

For an application form, call the Beef + Lamb New Zealand freephone 0800 233 352.

ENDS

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