Strawberry growers to get $350K boost in wake of needle sabotage

VICTORIA’S strawberry growers are set to benefit from a $350,000 boost to the industry after needles found inside the fruit wreaked havoc on Aussie growers and consumers.

VICTORIA’S strawberry growers will benefit from a $350,000 boost to the industry to regain and retain its market share after needles found inside the fruit wreaked havoc on Australian growers and consumers.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison will on Thursday reveal the funding boost to peak group Strawberries Australia to promote produce to local and international markets.

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Growers will also be given a “toolbox” with things like risk assessment templates and training guides to help the industry identify contamination risks.

The $350,000 is part of the $1 million announced last week.

September is peak season for picking and demand, and the safety scares have come at the worst time for farmers.

Strawberry growers will be given a ‘toolbox’ with things like risk assessment templates and training guides to help the industry identify contamination risks.

Victoria grows 36 per cent of the nation’s strawberries.

“This is about helping our strawberry farmers get back on their feet and getting their products on to our plates,” Mr Morrison said.

As a government we can pull every lever to crack down on the idiots hurting our farmers and give farmers new tools and protections, but we need Australians to back the strawberry industry too”.

He said Australians should bake with the kids using the fruit during school holidays or takE a pavlova and strawberries to Grand Final barbecues this weekend.

“There’s plenty of excuses to take a few punnets home when you get down to the shop,” Mr Morrison said.