Fruit farmers in South Australia are now able to access $14.6 million of Federal Government funding to purchase and install protective netting.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP who has been an integral part of the policy discussions regarding the funding program said this funding was a major win for growers in SA.
“Netting delivers clear productivity boosts to growers by protecting crops from extreme weather and pests,” Mr Pasin said.
“Netting increases protection from sunburn, wind and hail dramatic improvements in water efficiency not to mention the birds,” Mr Pasin said.
Mr Pasin said despite the clear benefits to netting, the up-front costs of installing the infrastructure was a major barrier for growers.
“Netting is a substantial investment for growers and the Federal Government is helping to cover these costs with grant of up to $300,000 towards the cost of netting purchase and installation,” Mr Pasin said.
The Federal Government Program will be delivered through two trials covering the Riverland Area and the Adelaide Hills/Greater Adelaide (including the Barossa, Gawler and Light areas) and be administered by PIRSA.
The scheme will commence from 29 June 2020 and operate until 30 June 2023 or until funds are fully committed.
Eligible growers will be required to at least match the Commonwealth contribution and the grants will be capped at $300,000 (GST exclusive) per farmer. The program will be backdated for eligible producers who have installed netting since December 2019.
Full guidelines and application form is available at https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/grants_and_assistance/horticulture-netting-grants
Tony Pasin will be holding an information session on the grant program at 4pm, Friday 17 July at The Clubhouse, 45 Macdonnell St, Tanunda. Anyone wishing to attend should RSVP to Tony.pasin.mp@aph.gov.au or 0885312466.
