Commencing in the 2017-18 financial year, a new levy will support priority research, development and extension activities to address thoroughbred industry challenges and opportunities.
This levy provides greater certainty about future RD&E funding for investment in longer term projects.
Key components of the program
Along with breeding productivity and research into reducing horse diseases and parasites, the program may explore:
- Research to reduce injury and breakdown of horses in work and training
- Improve the safety of industry participants
- Enhance the environmental sustainability of the industry.
About the industry
Australia has the second largest thoroughbred breeding industry in the world after the United States, with 660 stud farms across the country, predominantly in NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
These stud farms supply thoroughbred horses to both the domestic and overseas markets. In the 2014–15 season, 19,368 mares were covered to produce 12,871 live foals.
Australia stages more races with more runners than most of Western Europe combined, with Australian-bred mare Winx the top-rated racehorse on turf in the world in 2017.
The thoroughbred racing industry is worth approximately $5 billion/annum to the Australian economy, and employs more than 65,000 people, particularly in rural and regional areas.
Funding
The program is funded by statutory levies paid by industry participants which are matched dollar for dollar by the Australian Government (up to 0.5% of the industry’s GVP).
Industry Advisory Panel
AgriFutures Australia is committed to working with industry to deliver research and development outcomes. We work in partnership with advisory panels to decide on research priorities and to make investment decisions each year.
The levy will be set at a rate of $10/mare covered per season, paid by the stallion owner and $10/mare returned per season, paid by the broodmare owner.
The levy is expected to collect $400,000 from the industry per annum.
RD&E plan
AgriFutures Australia is currently developing a five-year RD&E plan for the Thoroughbred Horses Program.
AgriFutures Australia has undertaken R&D for the broader horse industry since 1995, and delivered valuable outcomes such as improvements in equine neonatal care.
Contact
Michael Beer
General Manager, Research & Innovation
02 6923 6915
0429 566 730
michael.beer@agrifutures.com.au
