The Morrison Government has today announced a $2.7 million support package for agricultural field days to ensure they can continue to showcase innovation and support regional communities after the pandemic.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin, who lobbed the Minister on behalf of the local Field Days in Barker, said this $2.7 million announcement is in addition to the $36.3 million previously announced to support agricultural show societies.
“With so many great agricultural shows and field days throughout Barker, this announcement will be well received and provide a real boost to our local communities as they battle the economic fallout of COVID-19.”
“The initiative is part of our Government’s $1 billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund, which is supporting regions, communities and industry sectors severely affected by the pandemic.”
“Field days hold immense social and economic value for our local communities in Barker, many of whom are doing it tough because of COVID-19.”
“Nationally, Field Days contribute around $100 million to the economy. On a local level this translates to an important income stream to local contractors and businesses as well as community organisations like Lions Clubs, local CFS, Men’s Sheds and sports clubs,” Mr Pasin said.
An additional $100,000 one-off grant will be provided to the Association of Agricultural Field Days Australasia to support its annual conference scheduled for 30 April 2021 to 2 May 2021 and provide training and assistance for members on recovery management planning.
The Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program funding complements the Australian Government’s existing $20 million Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants Program and will be provided under the $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund.
Field Days could be eligible to claim reimbursement costs including bank fees, utilities, rates, insurance, fire alarms and equipment, cleaning supplies, telecommunications, IT system licensing costs, website costs, state/national show body affiliation fees and rent.
For more information, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/infrastructure/supporting-ag-shows.
Media contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466
