The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to help growers and the horticulture industry tackle fruit fly head on with Round 2 of the Managing Fruit Fly Regional Grants Program opening today.
Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford encouraged regional and rural communities across the state to apply for funding through the $6.7 million Labor Government program.
The program supports a coordinated and collaborative approach to Queensland fruit fly management across Victoria, with a special focus on projects that contribute to protecting local horticulture industries.
Eight grant applications were approved in the first round of the program – in the Goulburn Murray Valley, Greater Sunraysia and Yarra Valley regions.
Endorsed by their respective regional governance groups, the successful grant applicants demonstrated how they would support the implementation of Regional Action Plans by raising awareness of fruit fly in their communities.
Queensland fruit fly pose a significant threat to Victoria’s growing horticulture industry, disrupting production and trade worldwide.
Community support for managing the pest is vital to protecting Victoria’s multi-million dollar fruit industry and home gardens across the state.
From today, horticultural industry groups, local government authorities, not-for-profit organisations and community groups in rural and regional Victoria are invited to apply for grants up to $5,000 through the program.
Grants will fund projects that support community action on Queensland fruit fly and build awareness and increase control of Queensland fruit fly through best practice management activities at a local level.
Queensland fruit fly trapping, netting, host tree removal, workshops and displays are all activities that have potential to be supported through the program.
Larger grants, aligning to existing Regional Action Plans, are also available in specific horticultural regions.
For more information about the Managing Fruit Fly Regional Grants Program and how to apply, visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“Queensland Fruit Fly is a serious pest and needs a collaborative approach to reduce its impact on the state’s horticultural industries, which are worth $1.1 billion to Victoria’s export economy.”
“The program builds on work already done in the sector and will play an important role in helping the community and industry to continue to manage Queensland Fruit Fly.”
“Managing fruit fly is everyone’s responsibility and these grants are enabling industry and the community to take ownership on issues relevant to their region, which we know give us the best results.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020