More horticulture producers across Western Australia are set to benefit from the expansion of the Horticultural Netting Program – Trial following the signing of the funding agreement between the Coalition and Western Australian Governments.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud, said the expansion of the Horticultural Netting Program – Trial would see improved productivity and farm gate returns for even more horticulture producers in Western Australia.
“Horticultural netting provides a huge range of benefits,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Properly installed netting can seriously improve both the quality and quantity of fresh food crops, while reducing water usage by up to 30 per cent.
“Recent research has proven that it can reduce the damage from severe weather impacts and can also keep out animals that damage horticulture crops, like birds and flying foxes.
“The value added for growers by programs like this will help the agriculture industry to become a $100 billion sector by 2030.”
“I am pleased that the finalisation of the funding agreement will see $2.6 million in additional Coalition Government funding provided to Western Australian producers. This brings total funding for netting in Western Australia to almost $5 million.
“Western Australia’s horticulture sector produced more than $790 million of fruit, nuts and vegetables in 2019-20,
“Now with the expanded program opening up to all horticultural commodities, we will be better placed to protect our industry for whatever the future may bring,” Minister Littleproud said.
More information about the Horticultural Netting Program – Trial Expansion in Western Australia can be found at: www.agric.wa.gov.au/hortuculture-netting-infrastructure-scheme.
Fast Facts:
- 2019-20 MYEFO provided $25.9 million for the Horticultural Netting Program – Trial, with $2.16 million allocated to Western Australia.
- 2021-22 MYEFO expands the Horticultural Netting Program – Trial by providing a further $35 million for the Program, with a further $2.6 million allocated for Western Australia.
- 23 grants to Western Australian horticulturalists have been approved to date under the initial Trial to cover 144.75 hectares of apple and pear crops.
- Horticulturalists in Western Australia will be able to apply for grants from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the program will operate until 30 June 2024 or until all the funds are committed.
