Investment in localised food and fibre processing and value-adding should form part of the NSW Government’s $140 million Bushfire Industry and Recovery Package announced today, according to NSW Farmers.
The peak body for farmers in NSW has welcomed the announcement, which Deputy Premier John Barilaro says aims to “help industries significantly impacted by bushfires to rebuild, recover, regrow and remain the heartbeat of regional economies.”
“Rebuilding is important, but let’s also look at a stimulus for new investment in regional food and fibre processing, either on farm or in towns,” NSW Farmers President James Jackson said.
“This will create opportunities for farm diversification, create regional jobs and further enhance food security in NSW. It’s a win-win.”
“The bushfires have had a large impact on many regional economies and now COVID-19 restrictions have added stress to regional business across the state.”
“We identified a range of options that reduce or remove supply chain issues in fresh food and fibre production and provide a boost to regional economies as part of our targeted stimulus package for agriculture that we have put forward to the state and federal government.”
“Opportunities exist for the establishment of small scale processing plants close to growers to extend product freshness and shelf-life and support market expansion. Building on the concept of micro-breweries, consideration should be given to grant funding for micro-processing.”
“Other practical measures would be to reintroduce the flying fox netting program, which has had great success in protecting fruit crops, and Energy Sustainability Rebates for primary producers to assist with the adoption of renewable energy systems.”
The NSW Government said details of funding criteria including amounts available for businesses under this package will be made available with the release of program Guidelines in the coming weeks.
“The package is scant on details at this stage, but we would hope that the NSW government takes on board our targeted stimulus package for agriculture and regional communities.”
