Eligible growers to receive up to A$150,000 for new netting
Victorian growers could benefit from government grants to help purchase and install new netting with an expansion of the Horticultural Netting Program.
Federal minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry Murray Watt, and Victorian minister for agriculture Ros Spence announced the expansion of the A$15.9m programme.
“Our hort producers have been on the frontline of a number of natural disasters in recent years, and so I’m very pleased this programme can help to protect crops from more extreme weather in the future, while also lowering watering costs and keeping out pests,” said Watt.
The programme is delivered by Agriculture Victoria on behalf of the federal government and provides funding of up to A$150,000 (ex GST) to eligible primary producers of commercial horticulture crops.
The funding is designed for the purchase and installation of new netting over established production areas and now includes a self-installation allowance which will help cover the cost of the applicant’s labour if they wish to self-install netting.
“Victorian growers have shown enormous strength in the face of adversity, delivering high quality, fresh, local produce that is enjoyed across the state, the country, and the world,” Spence said.
“We want Victorian produce on tables across our state and the world, and that’s why supporting our growers to capitalise on each and every opportunity is so crucial.”
Producers using commercial netting are encouraged to choose products that are safe for birds and other wildlife.
