THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the the agriculture slice of funding in the state budget is “totally underwhelming”, but the State Government says it’s on the side of farmers.
President Emma Germano said the Treasurer’s speech failed to mention agriculture as one of Victoria’s key export industries and the 21,000 farm businesses that play a vital role in Victoria’s economy.
“Agriculture plays a vital role in keeping Victoria’s economy moving and the investment in the services and infrastructure we need and deserve is totally underwhelming,” she said.
“Farmers have helped to keep Victoria alive through the pandemic and now that we are approaching the other side, we can’t be treated as an afterthought.”
Ms Germano added she was bitterly disappointed in the budget’s failure to address regional Victoria’s crumbling road network.
“This is yet another budget that fails to address the chronic underfunding of Victoria’s regional road network.”
“Western Victoria has particularly missed out on funding for upgrades to critical freight routes so farmers can get food and fibre to market.”
“Farmers will be expecting substantial investment in our sector and in our communities in the lead-up to November’s state election. We will be demanding a fair go for all of regional Victoria.”
The VFF did, however, welcome $12 million for a research glasshouse complex and incubation hub at the Horsham Grains Innovation Precinct; $1.9 million community pest and weed management, joint emergency exercises for biosecurity incursions and other activities, and; $1.4 million to support farm business and communities to undertake drought specific climate change adaptation activities.
“We are pleased the government listened to our calls on the importance of securing our supply chains with an additional $30 million for the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund and $40 million for the Victorian Industry Investment Fund,” Ms Germano said.
The government said it was supporting farmers, boosting local jobs and strengthening regional economies with new investments in agriculture and regional development as part of the 2022/23 budget.
“Some $193.4 million will be invested in regional development and agriculture, advancing the 10–year agriculture strategy and helping the sector remain strong, innovative and sustainable,” Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas said.
“Agriculture is worth $17.8 billion to the Victorian economy and almost one third of Australia’s total agricultural value. The more we produce and sell, the more jobs are created in local communities.
“The government is investing $2.9 million to support agribusinesses across Victoria reach new markets and grow their sales globally – which ultimately means more jobs for Victorians.
“This includes funding to continue the successful Drink Victorian campaign, and for Vic House in Shanghai, which gives Victorian agriculture producers and exporters dedicated in-market space to showcase their products.”
Farmers and producers will also benefit from the new Victorian Grown initiative, which will get more locally produced food and drinks into Victorian businesses and on Victorian tables.
Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said “analysis of the state budget papers also revealed further cuts to the agriculture budget that will gut services even more”.
“And despite admitting Victoria faces ‘escalating’ biosecurity risks, the government will skip out on its responsibility to protect the sector, allocating a paltry $1.8 million for ‘collective biosecurity’,” Mr Walsh said.
He claimed an $86 million cut to the agriculture spend “at a time when dozens of Victorian families are exiting the industry due to difficult market conditions shows Labor is no champion for our farmers”.
“We should be focussed on delivering more opportunities to get locally-grown Victorian food and fibre from paddock to plate, but Labor is silent on research and development,” Mr Walsh said.
“On top of that, there’s no mention of new money for Landcare groups and nothing to revive critical freight rail upgrades to the Murray Basin Rail that have stalled under Labor’s mismanagement.”
