Ongoing support for ag shows
Federal western Victorian parliamentarians have welcomed an extra $25-million to support agricultural field days and shows.
Member for Mallee Anne Webster and Member for Wannon Dan Tehan spoke collectively about the benefits of the financial support, designed to ease cash-flow pressure for organisers.
They said the latest funding, under Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days and Support Showmen and Women programs, followed a $34.5-million round-one shows allocation.
Dr Webster said industry needed confidence and certainty to push through the difficult times and be ready on the other side to contribute to agriculture’s $10-billion-by-2030 target.
“Agricultural shows and field days are supported by more than 50,000 volunteers and about 4000 showmen and women,” she said.
“They make a significant social and economic contribution to my electorate and hundreds of Australian communities.
“They support farm innovation and the productivity and profitability of our agricultural industries.”
Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said agricultural events and organisations had incurred significant financial losses for consecutive years.
“Those hit hardest are the local showmen and women – often small, independent, sole traders or family-based operations that cannot absorb the costs,” he said.
“The flow-on effects to local communities like those in Mallee will be felt for years.”