The Victorian Government will bolster its support for the state's organic food industry with a new funding program.
Announcing the grants package during National Organics Week, Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan said Victoria was the biggest producer of organic milk and is the nation’s leading organic food processor.
The Brumby Labor Government’s $400,000 Support for Organics Grant Program will continue to foster Victoria’s nation-leading approach to production, consumption and export of Victoria’s organic products,” she said.
“It will also help secure jobs and enhance lifestyles for organic farmers and producers, particularly in regional and rural Victoria.”
Ms Allan said the success of Victorian farmers relied on their ability to stay ahead of their competitors.“
Farm businesses must develop new products, identify and secure new markets, and maintain access to existing markets to remain competitive,” she said.Ms Allan said the organic grants program had been funded through the Brumby Labor Government's four-year $205 million Future Farming Strategy, which set out new investment to help the farming sector response to change, drive innovation and capture new market opportunities.“
To be eligible, the businesses or projects must meet aim to build the capacity of the organic sector for future growth and increase the awareness of consumers and producers of the organic sector,” Ms Allan said.
Ms Allan added that businesses or projects must also aim to encourage exports, develop supply chain or value chain capacity, raise knowledge and awareness of the organic produce, develop leadership and business skills, or demonstrate innovation in products and or processes.
For more information on how to apply for grants visit www.business.vic.gov.au.
Source: Minister for Regional and Rural Development