Expanding the scheme to more regions will help horticulturists, orchardists and winegrape growers to better protect their livelihoods from extreme weather and pests
Grants of up to $300,000 will be available to growers across South Australia to purchase netting to protect their crops. The $14.6 million Horticulture Netting Infrastructure Grants scheme, funded by the Federal Government in 2020 and coordinated by the State Government, initially focused on primary producers from the Riverland and Adelaide Hills/Greater Adelaide regions who had been impacted by repeated severe hail events between 2016-2019. Applications close on 30 June 2024, or when all funds are allocated. All projects funded under the grants must be completed by 30 June 2025.
Now, the program has been extended to all regions of South Australia, subsidising up to 50% for new or replacement protective netting. Expanding the scheme to more regions will help horticulturists, orchardists and winegrape growers to better protect their livelihoods from extreme weather and pests, while also reducing evaporation and saving water. Australia has partnered with the Malinauskas Government to deliver the extension of this program to support SA’s vital ag sector.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt said, “South Australian growers have already benefited from the program, and it’s great to see more producers now eligible. The program aims to protect the horticulture industry from more extreme weather in the future, while also lowering watering costs and keeping out pests”.
SA Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven said, “Horticulturists, grape growers and orchardists are particularly vulnerable to hail damage, so this targeted netting infrastructure scheme has real positive impact on their profitability and on-going viability.
We have seen how valuable the program has been to the existing areas. Extending the reach of the scheme will benefit even more producers and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to these important sectors”.
