The Andrews Labor Government will provide $50,000 to Cobram & District Fruit Growers Association to better manage Queensland Fruit Fly and reduce its impact on local crops.
Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford announced the grant in Parliament today, which will fund research on the habits of Queensland Fruit Fly during the winter months and monitor how the pest can be better targeted.
The funding will also be used to implement a local grid in the Cobram fruit growing area, to provide substantive evidence that the current practice of fruit fly management methods are successful.
Importantly, the evidence can also be used to validate export trade requirements.
Fruit fly poses a significant threat to Victoria’s growing horticulture industry, disrupting production and trade worldwide.
If not controlled, fruit fly could pose significant risks to our multi-million dollar fruit industry and home gardens in the region, which includes the towns of Shepparton, Ardmona, Cobram, Mooroopna, Tatura and Kyabram.
The Cobram & District Fruit Growers Association’s project aligns with the state-wide, Goulburn Valley Taskforce and Cobram & District Associations Fruit Fly action plans.
The $1 million Horticulture Innovation Fund was launched in November 2015 and provides grants of up to $50,000 to help businesses test and adapt new technologies and processes to boost production.
The grants are a key election commitment of the Labor Government and support projects that boost horticultural exports into new markets and broaden the diversity of products we sell overseas.
Victoria’s horticulture industry is worth $2.4 billion a year, underpinned by a deserved reputation for providing premium quality, safe and clean products.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“The Cobram & District Fruit Growers Association’s project could change and improve the management of this pest across the state and the country.”
“Effective management of Queensland fruit fly will improve the quality of fruit and increase demand for Goulburn Valley produce.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“This funding will go a long way to managing the impacts of Queensland Fruit Fly in the heart of the Goulburn Valley, which is crucial for our booming horticulture exports in the region.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020