The Andrews Labor Government today announced $80,000 in funding to support the Victorian chicken meat industry to continually improve environmental outcomes and extend community engagement efforts.
Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said the Labor Government was committed to balancing chicken meat industry development and viability with protecting the environment and meeting community expectations.
The funding will support the Victorian Farmers Federation’s Chicken Care Program, which has a track record in assisting growers to improve environmental and amenity outcomes on farms, and respond to concerns over new and existing developments.
The successful Chicken Care Program was developed 15 years ago in response to community concerns over environmental impact and has since trained 126 growers in best practice environmental management.
The Government understands the challenges facing the chicken meat industry, outlined in the Victorian Chicken Meat Council’s ten year strategy.
That’s why we are committed to working with industry to provide clarity on regulatory frameworks, provide guidance on development and assist with greater community engagement.
To support this work, the Government will also trial new processes for assisting the industry to better understand the development process with the adoption of the Agribusiness Development Facilitation model.
The model for agribusiness developments will provide a one-stop location for applicants and responsible authorities to access information and support throughout the development process.
It will assist agribusiness developers to understand the requirements for agricultural developments, including broiler farms, and will encourage early engagement among all relevant parties.
We believe this approach appropriately balances our commitment to growing this important industry with community and environmental concerns.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“We are aware of the challenges facing the chicken meat industry, and of the significant economic contribution it makes to growing rural and regional jobs.”
“That’s why we’re providing $80,000 to support the VFF’s Chicken Care Program to assist our growers improve environmental and amenity outcomes on farms.”
“The Agribusiness Development Facilitation model will further support industry to achieve better outcomes and reduce the time and cost of the development process.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020