The Victorian Government has opened the third round of the Managing Fruit Fly Regional Grants Program, to support growers, community groups and the horticulture industry in the fight against fruit fly.
Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes says community-led projects give them the resources they need to protect and manage the impact of Queensland fruit fly on local produce.
“Managing fruit fly is everyone’s responsibility and these grants enable industry and community to work together in taking the lead on the issues affecting their region,” she said.
She adds community action is vital when it comes to protecting Victoria’s multi-million-dollar horticulture industry and home gardens across the state. Queensland fruit fly poses a significant threat to Victoria’s growing horticulture industry, disrupting both production and trade.
"In the previous round of funding, our community grants backed twenty-eight community-led projects which is a testament to our communities who are tackling this issue head on,” Ms Symes said.
Grants will fund projects that support community action on Queensland fruit fly by building awareness and increasing capacity to control Queensland fruit fly locally.
Queensland fruit fly monitoring, netting, host tree removal, workshops and other community engagement activities are eligible for funding through the grants program.
“We’re backing local communities because we know that a community-led approach is the most effective way to reduce the impact of Queensland fruit fly on our local produce," Ms Symes said.
Horticultural industry groups, local government authorities, not-for-profit organisations and community groups in rural and regional Victoria are invited to apply for grants, valued at up to $5,000, before 17 May. Larger grants, aligned to existing Regional Action Plans, are available in the three regional areas of Greater Sunraysia, Goulburn Murray Valley and the Yarra Valley. Applications close 3 May.
For more information about the Managing Fruit Fly Regional Grants Program and how to apply, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/qffgrants
Source: Victorian Government