Produce protection delivers productivity boost for Stanthorpe apple and pear growers

Under a new government scheme, eligible Granite Belt apple and pear growers can receive funding to protect crops from extreme weather and pests.

Granite Belt apple and pear growers will be able to access grants to purchase and install protective netting under the new Horticultural Netting Program.

After difficult years battling through drought, hail storms and pest infestation there is hope for Granite Belt apple and pear growers with a new program aimed at improving fruit productivity.

Granite Belt apple and pear growers will be able to access grants to purchase and install protective netting under the new Horticultural Netting Program.

As part of the government-funded scheme, eligible growers can request up to $150,000 in funding.

Granite Belt Growers Association president Angus Ferrier said producers in the region are deserving of financial assistance as protective netting can be a very expensive exercise.

“Hail is a very real threat to apple and pear producers in our region,” he said.

“This program is a really valuable step in assisting growers with risk mitigation to help them grow quality produce even through adverse weather conditions.

“More secure supply helps Aussie farmers produce safe and affordable fruit and vegetables for domestic consumption.”

Protective netting can significantly reduce the impact of weather events and pests. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Mr Ferrier expects there to be considerable competition from Granite Belt growers to secure part of the total $1.5 million funding.

“My expectation is that the Queensland portion of the grant will be over subscribed to in a matter of days,” he said.

“I am hopeful that over subscribers will demonstrate that grants like these are highly sought after and are very beneficial to the region.

“Hopefully next time the Granite Belt will be in the running for more than just the allocated $1.5 million to the region.”

The Granite Belt Growers Association were given the opportunity to provide comments on some draft terms and conditions for the scheme.

Mr Ferrier said he was satisfied that the initial consultation with the state government about the subsidies was generally reflective of the final guidelines.

“We had our say as to how we thought the funds could be administered,” the president said.

“In the draft we expressed our desired amount to be apportioned to Queensland, but it was too late in the process for anything to change as the decision had already been made.”

More secure supply helps Aussie farmers produce safe and affordable fruit and vegetables for domestic consumption. Picture: Zoe Phillips

The funding was announced on Friday May 7 by the Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud.

“We know that cost is a significant barrier for many horticulturalists to accessing protective netting, even though it can significantly reduce the impact of weather events and pests,” Minister Littleproud said.

“These grants will allow apple and pear growers to access 50 per cent of the cost of purchasing and installing protective netting, up to $150,000.”

The scheme will begin on May 24 and will operate until June 30, 2023 or until funds are fully committed.