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Agriculture | July 27, 2018

Agriculture will grow under a Liberal Nationals Government

An elected Liberal Nationals Government will deliver a better deal for agriculture with a new plan to drive growth and support jobs in Victoria’s agriculture industries to benefit all Victorians.

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP said a Liberal Nationals Government would establish the Grow Victoria: Food and Fibre Exports Program with a $40 million investment to help farmers and food manufacturers in western Victoria and across the state get more of their products into the rapidly expanding Asian markets.

“There’s a huge opportunity for our clean, green, premium quality local produce to fill growing demand for food and fibre in the Asian markets,” Ms Kealy said.

“While Daniel Andrews has cut funding, a Liberal Nationals Government will boost investment and ensure Victoria’s food and fibre export strategy addresses key drivers including market access, research and development, reducing red tape and infrastructure investment.

“Only The Nationals will invest to make sure these vital sectors continue to grow and support jobs and business opportunities in western Victoria,” she said.

Victoria is the nation’s largest exporter of agricultural goods but while other states have increased their share of exports in the past three years Victoria has declined, dropping from 28 per cent of Australian exports in 2013-14 to 25 per cent in 2016-17.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said when regional Victoria’s economy is strong, all Victorians benefit.

“The city-centric Labor Government has been short-sighted in the last four years but a Liberal Nationals Government will restore funding and get this important work back on track,” Mr Walsh said.

“Regional development and decentralising our population will only succeed if we create good, secure and well-paying jobs and business opportunities in regional Victoria.

“Only the Liberal Nationals have a plan to invest in the future of our farmers and food manufacturers which in turn, is an investment in the people and communities of regional Victoria,” he said.