Audit program to power up farmers

A NEW on-farm initiative is helping farmers lock in lower energy and irrigation costs.

The State Government has provided $750,000 for an Energy and Irrigation Audit Program so farmers can call in professional help to lower energy use, infrastructure and systems costs.

“These initiatives will assist Tasmanian farmers to remain profitable and sustainable as we work towards growing the value of the agricultural sector to $10 billion a year by 2050,” said Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Peter Skillern.

Mr Skillern said energy and irrigation were key pillars of the TFGA’s state election pol- icy platform released this year.

The initiative was announced by Energy Minister Guy Barnett and Primary Industries and Water Minister Sarah Courtney yesterday at Longford.

Mr Barnett said a review of the solar feed-in tariff had also started, which would determine a suitable reward for those who have installed, or are looking to install, solar in Tasmania, including farmers.

The farm energy advocate service, which aims to help farmers better manage their energy and usage costs is available through Aurora Energy.

Applications are now open for the program. For more information, go to stategrowth.tas.gov.au