As part of the Australian Government‘s Horticultural Netting Program Trial Expansion, primary agricultural producers in NSW now have access to grants of up to $100,000.
In a statement, the NSW Government said the horticultural primary producers could use the $100,000 grant to purchase and installation of protective netting over crops.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the Commonwealth Government had broadened a previous trial in a number of states to support growers in NSW.
“The trial was well-received in other regions and we’re very pleased to be able to invest in resilience in NSW. It has been a tough year for growers with weather conditions, and we’re committed to supporting them,” Minister Watt stated.
According to Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders, the initiative would cover half of the cost of procuring and installing netting, allowing NSW growers to preserve their crops and protect their investment.
“Horticulturalists and viticulturists in NSW can apply for a grant of up to 50 per cent of the cost to purchase and install new protective netting, to a maximum grant amount of $100,000,” Minister Saunders added.
Minister Saunders said the $35 million national package includes $5.62 million to assist primary producers of horticultural and viticultural crops in NSW in developing resilience and adapting to Australia’s ever-changing climate.
“It has been demonstrated that properly installed protective netting can significantly improve the quality, reliability and quantity of fresh food crops, reduce water usage and provide protection to crops during severe weather events and from pests,” Minister Saunders stated.
The Horticultural Netting Program trial in NSW is managed by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) and will be open for applications on Monday, 24 October 2022.
“We expect demand for this Australian Government program to be high and it’s important to get your application in early, as funding is limited,” Minister Saunders added.
