Apply Now: Livestock Biosecurity Grant Program in Australia

Deadline: 14-Apr-2026

The Livestock Biosecurity Funds grant program in Victoria supports projects that enhance animal health, biosecurity, and disease prevention across cattle, sheep, goat, swine, and honey bee industries. Grants fund innovative, collaborative, and evidence-based initiatives that protect public health, safeguard markets, and improve livestock industry resilience.

About the Grant Program

The Livestock Biosecurity Funds program provides financial support to initiatives that strengthen biosecurity systems, prevent and control livestock diseases, and protect both domestic and export livestock markets in Victoria. The initiative ensures that the livestock industry maintains high standards of animal health while supporting innovation, collaboration, and data-driven solutions.

Program Focus Areas

Key areas supported by the program include:

• Enhancing overall animal health and disease prevention

• Strengthening livestock biosecurity systems

• Monitoring and controlling livestock diseases

• Preventing and eradicating exotic livestock diseases

• Protecting public health from zoonotic diseases

• Safeguarding domestic and international livestock markets

• Supporting livestock identification and tracking programs

• Encouraging innovative technologies and solutions across the livestock value chain

• Fostering collaboration and delivering evidence-based benefits for the livestock sector

Funding and Legislative Context

• Grants are provided by the Victorian Government based on advice from industry-led livestock advisory committees

• Funding comes from four livestock compensation funds to support disease prevention, monitoring, and control projects

• The program aligns with legislation to improve disease management and maintain strong livestock industries

• Projects must contribute to measurable outcomes that protect animal health, market access, and public health

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include:

• Private sector businesses and agencies

• Universities and research institutions

• Cooperatives aligned with livestock biosecurity objectives

• Victorian Government departments or entities

• Local government authorities

• Incorporated associations

Applicants must:

• Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN)

• Be an incorporated body or association

• Be financially solvent

• Conduct activities within Victoria

• Comply with industrial relations obligations under the National Employment Standards

• Agree to participate in program evaluation and public communication activities

Ineligible Applicants and Activities

• Individuals, sole traders, trusts, partnerships, or federal government departments

• Retrospective funding requests

• Lobbying activities

• Core organizational operations or ongoing operational costs (e.g., rent, utilities)

• Emergency animal disease compensation or response activities

• Capital expenditure

• Activities that create expectations of continued funding

• Projects located outside Victoria

Why the Program Matters

The grant program strengthens Victoria’s livestock industries by:

• Protecting animal health and preventing disease outbreaks

• Safeguarding public health from zoonotic diseases

• Maintaining the integrity of domestic and export livestock markets

• Encouraging innovation, research, and cross-sector collaboration

• Supporting evidence-based interventions for long-term industry sustainability

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility as a private sector business, research institution, cooperative, government entity, or incorporated association

2. Ensure the proposed project aligns with program focus areas and legislative objectives

3. Prepare a detailed proposal including project goals, collaboration plans, measurable outcomes, and evidence-based approaches

4. Submit the application through the Victorian Government’s grant portal

5. Commit to participation in program evaluation and public reporting activities

Tips for Applicants

• Emphasize measurable outcomes for animal health and biosecurity

• Demonstrate innovation and use of emerging technologies

• Highlight collaboration across livestock value chains

• Ensure all activities occur within Victoria

• Avoid including ineligible expenses or creating expectations of ongoing funding

FAQs

1. Who can apply for funding? Private sector businesses, research institutions, cooperatives, Victorian Government departments, local authorities, and incorporated associations.

2. Which industries are supported? Cattle, sheep, goat, swine, and honey bee industries.

3. Are individuals or sole traders eligible? No, individuals, sole traders, trusts, partnerships, and federal government departments are not eligible.

4. Can the grant cover operational costs like rent or utilities? No, ongoing operational costs are ineligible.

5. Are projects outside Victoria eligible? No, all activities must be conducted within Victoria.

6. Is collaboration required? Projects should demonstrate collaboration across the livestock value chain where possible.

7. Are there reporting requirements? Yes, applicants must participate in program evaluation and public communication activities.

Conclusion

The Livestock Biosecurity Funds grant program ensures the Victorian livestock industry remains healthy, resilient, and innovative. By funding projects that prevent, monitor, and control livestock diseases while promoting biosecurity, the program protects public health, supports market access, and fosters sustainable growth across cattle, sheep, goat, swine, and honey bee sectors.

For more information, visit Agriculture Victoria.