GROWERS are outraged that $500,000 will be cut from the cattle compensation fund for education about the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).
The system has been compulsory for three years and growers are insisting they have adhered to its regulations.
Pastoralists and Graziers Association president Rob Gillam said he could not believe the recent State Government decision.
"The compensation fund is there to help industry fight disease outbreaks such as foot and mouth, not education programs," Mr Gillam said.
"Ripping money out of the compensation fund is an inappropriate use of the money.
"There has not yet been one prosecution in the state for people who have not complied with NLIS regulations.
"But because the cattle compensation account has over $6 million just sitting there, it is a prime example of a pile of money sitting there and someone trying to find a way to spend it and fund their program to keep themselves employed."
Agriculture Minister Terry Redman said it was not an inappropriate use of the money.
"There is still a need to inform producers about NLIS and I support the ongoing education program," Mr Redman said
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