Why the grant was established
The Poultry Biosecurity Grant helps commercial poultry operators with fewer than 100,000 birds improve on-farm biosecurity and prepare for H5 bird flu.
Strong biosecurity is one of the best ways to protect poultry from disease and reduce the risk of spread of H5 bird flu.
The grant supports practical improvements on poultry and egg farms. It will help protect poultry businesses, jobs, livelihoods, and New Zealand's food supply.
The government has committed $1.5 million to the grant, which was developed in partnership with the poultry industry and builds on existing preparedness work.
Poultry Biosecurity Grant – fact sheet [PDF, 826 KB]
How the grant will support poultry and egg operators
Applications are open until 30 September 2026. The grant covers work completed on or after 28 July 2026.
Strong on-farm biosecurity is one of our best defences against H5 bird flu and will help manage and prevent spread if it does reach poultry.
Grant funding will support practical improvements that make a measurable enhancement to on-farm biosecurity, including:
- infrastructure like fencing, storage areas, quarantine sheds
- controlled entry points
- bird-proofing measures
- cleaning and disinfecting facilities.
Our application guideline has a full list of eligible infrastructure improvements.
Poultry operators can apply for up to 50% of eligible biosecurity-related infrastructure costs from MPI, capped at $25,000 (excluding GST) per operation.
Poultry operators can also use up to $3,000 of the grant funding if they need help developing their Avian Biosecurity Control Programme required under biosecurity regulations announced by the Government in July 2026.
Poultry sector gets stronger biosecurity backing to fight bird flu – Beehive
Check if you are eligible for a Poultry Biosecurity Grant
You can apply for a grant if you:
- are a commercial poultry operator
- are a member of the Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand (PIANZ) or Egg Producers Federation (EPF)
- have fewer than 100,000 birds.
Find out more in the application guidelines [PDF, 255 KB]
How to apply for a grant
To apply for a grant, complete an application form and provide supporting documentation.
Poultry Biosecurity Grant application form [PDF, 305 KB]
We aim to notify all applicants of the outcome of their application within 20 working days of the fund closing.
Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be contacted directly using the contact details provided in their application.
Getting help with your application
Check our guideline document first – it has more details about eligibility and how to apply.
MPI On Farm Support staff can provide general guidance to help you understand the application process. This may include:
- explaining application requirements and eligibility criteria
- answering questions about how to complete the application form
- helping you understand what information is being requested
- referring you to other sources of advice where appropriate.
About On Farm Support: a service for farmers and growers
Email us if you have questions
Before you email, check our document that has answers to some questions you might have.
Questions and answers about the Poultry Biosecurity Grant [PDF, 317 KB]
Email: HPAIgrants@mpi.govt.nz