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Victorian Liberals and Nationals commit $8M to establish Agriculture Futures Extension Program for 2022 election

Victoria will be leading the country in agricultural innovation after the Liberals and Nationals committed $8 million to establish the Agriculture Futures Extension Program (AFEP).

By news@gippsland - 9th November 2022 - Back to News

The Agriculture Futures Extension Program (AFEP) will be available to grower groups across Victoria to deliver programs that ​assist primary producers in adopting new technologies and practices to boost profitability, productivity, and environmental sustainability.

Mr Walsh says that Victoria's $17.8 billion agricultural industry relies on innovation to constantly adapt to a changing environment

Project delivery focused

The funding will allow industry groups to tailor programs for participants, with the focus of AFEP's delivery including:

• Awareness of agriculture's impact on the environment and carbon emissions
• Adoption of environmentally friendly technologies and practices
• Supporting emerging farmers (such as young people and women)
• Diversifying domestic and export markets

Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Peter Walsh, said the fund would deliver innovative programs to drive greater productivity. "Victoria's $17.8 billion agricultural industry relies on innovation to constantly adapt to a changing environment. This funding will allow industry groups to deliver programs that encourage on-farm innovation and adoption of new technology." Mr Walsh said.

Emission reduction drive

The Nationals Candidate for Mildura, Jade Benham, said the program will also help drive Victoria's emission reductions. "Our farmers are the stewards of the land, and the Agriculture Futures Extension Program will assist them in meeting their business and net zero ambitions," Ms Benham said.

Liberal Candidate for Mildura, Paul Matheson, said the funding will deliver more programs to assist farmers. "This will deliver 40 separate programs through to 2027 and builds on the Liberals and Nationals' commitment to driving agricultural research in Victoria," Mr Matheson said.

Pictures from Agriculture Victoria Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com