$10.92 million netted for Queensland horticulture

December 14, 2021

• Maranoa horticulturalists will have access to an additional $10.92 million in funding to purchase and install protective netting through the Australian Government’s expansion of the Horticultural Netting Program trial.
• Netting delivers productivity boosts by protecting crops from extreme weather and pests.

Maranoa’s horticulturalists will be able to access $10.92 million in funding to purchase and install protective netting through the Australian Government’s national expansion of the Horticultural Netting Program trial.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the funding would help producers to purchase and install new netting to protect their crops from extreme weather and predators, and increase water use efficiency.

“The first tranche of the program has already seen more than $1 million out of $2.1 million in funding provided to apple and pear growers in the Southern Downs with permanent netting installed to protect their valuable produce,” Minister Littleproud said.

“The expansion of the Horticultural Netting Program trial will support resilience against climate change while improving the quantity and quality of crops to support the agricultural industry reach its Ag2030 target,” he said.

“Protective netting, which can reduce the impact of weather events and pests, is a significant cost barrier for a lot of horticulturalists across Australia.

“That is why we are co investing in horticultural netting to secure Australia’s food supply while we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters across the country.

“Already the Horticultural Netting Program trial has allowed apple and pear growers in Queensland to supplement half the cost of purchasing and installing protective netting, enabling them to protect their crops and secure their investment.”

Minister Littleproud said the expansion of the program would provide welcome support for Queensland’s primary producers to protect crops and boost productivity.

“By supporting farmers to invest in new netting, the Australian Government is putting more money into producers’ pockets and in regional economies.

“The Australian Government is committed to building resilience and value in the horticulture sector nationally by protecting crops from extreme weather events and animal predation.” he said.

The funding expands the trial nationally with allocated funding reflecting the level of horticultural production in each jurisdiction.

Horticulturalists will be able to apply for grants in coming months and the program will operate until 30 June 2025 or until all the funds are committed.

Fast Facts

• $23.6 million in funding was originally committed to trials in SA, WA, Qld and Victoria.
• 183 grants to farmers have been approved to date under the initial trial to cover apple, pear, cherry and vine crops.
• The Horticulture Netting Program – Trial Expansion will see the trial extended nationally.