An elected Liberal Nationals Government will deliver a better deal for agriculture with a new plan to drive growth and support jobs in Victoria’s agriculture industries to the benefit of all Victorians.

 

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said a Liberal Nationals Government would establish Grow Victoria: Food and Fibre Exports Program with a $40 million investment to help farmers and food manufacturers in East Gippsland and across the state get more of their products into the rapidly expanding Asian markets.

 

The announcement comes as the Liberal Nationals also promise to invest $5.3 million to roll out the Growth, Adoption, Production and Profitability (GAPP) program, helping growers get in touch with the latest innovations in agriculture to boost their productivity and profitability

 

“There’s a huge opportunity for our clean, green, premium quality local produce to fill growing demand for food and fibre in the Asian markets,” Mr Bull said.

 

“While Daniel Andrews has cut funding, a Nationals Government will boost investment and ensure Victoria’s food and fibre export strategy addresses key drivers including market access, research and development, reducing red tape and infrastructure investment.

 

“Only The Nationals will invest to make sure these vital sectors continue to grow and support jobs and business opportunities in East Gippsland.”

 

Victoria is the nation’s largest exporter of agricultural goods but while other states have increased their share of exports in the past three years, Victoria has declined, dropping from 28 per cent of Australian exports in 2013-14 to 25 per cent in 2016-17.

 

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said when regional Victoria’s economy is strong, all Victorians benefit.

 

“A city-centric Labor Government has been short-sighted in the last four years but a Liberal Nationals government will restore funding and get this important work back on track,” Mr Walsh said.

 

“Regional development and decentralising our population will only succeed if we create good, secure and well-paying jobs and business opportunities in regional Victoria.”

 

The Liberal Nationals have also pledged to establish a Livestock and Rural Crime Squad and the Pest Animals and Plants Taskforce.

 

Caption: Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, flanked by Andrew Bulmer, of Bulmer Farms, and Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy, says agriculture will grow under an elected Liberal Nationals Government with the establishment of the $40 million Grow Victoria: Food and Fibre Exports Program.