Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
Keeping Tasmanians safe is our top priority as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s why the decision to postpone Agfest 2020 was necessary to ensure the safety of the community, and we have been actively working with Rural Youth Tasmania and the Agfest Committee on alternate ways to support businesses, the community and the broader agricultural sector during this difficult time.
Accordingly, the Tasmanian Government will partner with the Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania to move Agfest online for 2020.
A $65,000 grant will be provided to facilitate the development of an online Agfest portal that will showcase Tasmania’s high-quality merchandise to the world.
Agfest is one of the key parts of Tasmania’s rural calendar and a significant contributor to our economy, and this is a good outcome that will provide a much-needed boost for exhibitors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Work will now begin to develop the portal with the aim of having it operational by the original Agfest start date of May 7, with products remaining online for three weeks.
The usual selection of products is expected to be available with good deals on a range of products such as tractors, sheds, chemicals and caravans, to name a few.
Well done to the Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania for their innovative thinking and commitment to Agfest that will give our retailers the chance to showcase their products for 2020.
I look forward to seeing the portal launch in a few weeks, and have no doubt the event will be back bigger and better than ever in coming years.
