THE nation's horticulture industry is set to benefit from a $35 million funding injection thanks to the federal government.
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Funding will be available through an expanded version of the government's Horticultural Netting Program and can be used to purchase and install protective horticultural netting for crops.
So far, more than 180 growers from across the country have benefitted from the scheme and the program will run until June 30, 2025 or until funds have been allocated.
Federal Agriculture and Northern Australia Minister David Littleproud said the expanded Horticultural Netting Program trial would provide assistance to growers Australia wide.
"The expansion of the Horticultural Netting Program trial will support resilience against climate change while improving the quantity and quality of crops to support the agricultural industry reach its Ag2030 target," Mr Littleproud said.
"Protective netting, which can reduce the impact of weather events and pests, is a significant cost barrier for a lot of horticulturalists across Australia.
"That is why we are co investing in horticultural netting to secure Australia's food supply while we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters across the country."
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Mr Littleproud said the funding was further proof of the federal government's commitment to helping the agriculture sector reach its environmental goals.
"It will ensure that producers can purchase and install new netting to protect their crops from extreme weather and predators, and increase water use efficiency," he said.
"Already the Horticultural Netting Program trial has allowed growers in South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and Victoria to supplement half the cost of purchasing and installing protective netting, enabling them to protect their crops and secure their investment.
"The funding expands the trial nationally with allocated funding reflecting the level of horticultural production in each jurisdiction.
"The Australian Government is committed to building resilience and value in the horticulture."
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Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
