A change to the Victorian Government’s $11 million horticultural netting grants scheme allows farmers to get better value for money from the program.
A self-installation allowance has been added to the grants for those growers with the resources to construct their own netting infrastructure.
The netting grants are available to eligible producers of horticulture crops (excluding wine grapes) up to a value of $150,000 to match a farmer’s own investment.
The grant is only for netting built over established production areas.
Applications can be submitted by eligible producers who have had netting already installed after December 14, 2021 and those who seek to purchase and install netting before May 31, 2025.
Growers who wish to self-install can apply for an allowance of $7000 per hectare up to a maximum of $50,000.
Second generation fruit grower Daniel Kezerle said he had no regrets at having nets installed at his Tatura orchard after last October’s two hail events, saving a portion of his crops from the Christmas hail storm.
“I think it’s a great idea so yes, we will apply,” Mr Kezerle said.
“If anyone has got the money, they’d be stupid not to.”
Mr Kezerle this season sold his pear crop for juicing to SPC and said he was still looking for a home for his apple harvest.
Applications for the grants close at 5pm on Monday, April 8.
More information can be found at: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/funds-grants-programs