Implementation of the controversial National Animal Identification and Tracing (Nait) system will begin for cattle on July 1 next year.
The mandatory system, which will provide lifetime animal traceability, was to have gone live on November 1, but it was announced in May that the date had been deferred.
The announcement of the new date followed achievement of key milestones giving Nait Ltd and its partners the confidence to proceed with planning for a July 1 implementation for cattle, with deer set to join the scheme on March 1, 2013, chief executive Russell Burnard said yesterday.
Those milestones included the Primary Production Select Committee report to Parliament recommending it be mandatory from July, and recent agreement for the scheme's IT system to be provided by New Zealand company Fronde Systems Group. Nait's cross-party support in Parliament boded well for the Nait Bill being passed after the election, Mr Burnard said.
Nait Ltd will communicate directly with all cattle and deer farmers by letter in October to provide more detail.
That will include practical information on tagging of animals and what farmers needed to do and in regard to registrations and animal movement requirements.
It would also give farmers details about public consultation planned for next month on proposed tag and slaughter levies.
