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Agriculture | July 27, 2018

Liberal Nationals will help farmers bridge the innovation GAPP

An elected Liberal Nationals Government will invest $5.3 million to roll out the Growth, Adoption, Production and Profitability (GAPP) Program to put farmers in touch with the latest innovations in agriculture, The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy MP has said.

Ms Kealy said Victoria has the potential to fill growing demand for food and fibre in Victoria and Asian markets, but was missing out on opportunities due to a lack of attention from the city-centric Labor Government.

“We know we need to increase the productivity of our farmers to fulfil Victoria’s potential as an agricultural powerhouse,” Ms Kealy said.

“We want to help our farmers boost productivity by integrating new technologies and practices into their business and that’s exactly what the GAPP program will do.

“The Premier for Melbourne and his city-centric Labor Government have failed to help secure the opportunities that are knocking at our farm gates.

“The Nationals will deliver a better deal for our farmers and for Regional Victoria,” she said.

The funding will be available to industry grower groups to deliver co-funded programs that help their members boost on-farm productivity through the adoption of new technologies and practices.

This follows the success of a pilot program funded by the former Liberal Nationals Government in partnership with the Birchip Cropping Group.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said when Victorian farms are more productive it is good for regional jobs, regional economies and all Victorians.

“With strong demand for Victorian food and fibre products, both in local markets and overseas, it’s more important than ever to drive sustainable, long-term growth in Victorian agriculture,” Mr Walsh said.

“A Liberal Nationals Government is committed to developing innovation and R&D partnerships with our agricultural sectors because this will deliver the best outcomes for Victorian farmers and for the Victorian economy,” he said.