Victoria’s fodder industries have a bright future under the Andrews Labor Government, the 2015 National Fodder Conference heard today.
Addressing the Conference in Ballarat Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford, said the Labor Government’s new $200 million Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund, will support investment in infrastructure and boost productivity from paddock to port.
Victoria is a key fodder producing state, with approximately 40 per cent of Victoria’s grain production used for feed by domestic livestock industries.
It underpins our dairy, beef, sheep, pork, chicken meat and egg production, which has a combined export value of around $6 billion a year.
In order to capitalise on the increasing global demand for animal protein, it is vital our fodder industries are supported to continue to innovate and grow.
Our new $200 million fund will support investment in agricultural infrastructure and supply chains to boost productivity, increase exports and reduce costs so our farmers, businesses and industries can stay competitive.
It will be available for practical projects and programs that wholly benefit the agriculture sector including transport, irrigation, and energy projects, as well as skills development programs and market access campaigns.
Eligible applicants will include farm businesses, industry and agribusiness organisations, asset owners such as water authorities and local government.
There is an important place for fodder production and development within the Government’s new $200 million Fund.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“Our fodder industries play a critical role in our regional and farming communities.”
“That’s why we’re putting agriculture back at the heart of Victoria’s economic development so our farmers and industries can grow and prosper from paddock to port.”
“Our new $200 million fund will deliver concrete benefits for the hard-working farmers and regional Victorians that depend on this important sector.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020