THE state government has reopened a grant program for artisanal producers.<\/p>\n
Called the Artisanal Sector program, the money is aimed at smaller primary producers who are seeking to value add before produce leaves the farm gate.<\/p>\n
In the past it\u2019s been used undertake capital works like adding solar systems but could go towards employing more staff or other types of business development.<\/p>\n
\u201cVictoria is Australia\u2019s premier food destination, and we\u2019re proud to be strengthening our state\u2019s artisanal food offerings and helping fantastic businesses take local products to the world,\u201d said Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would encourage all of our state\u2019s artisanal producers and food businesses to see how the Artisanal Sector program can help them make the most of their wonderful products and ideas for growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Seymour based Blue Tongue Berries was one of 29 successful applicants last year and received $136,800.<\/p>\n
Owner Nick Bray said the money enabled him to grow his business.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis grant has allowed us to install a solar operated pump to irrigate our blueberries, the last piece of the puzzle for our vision of energy sustainability,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Eligible producers can apply for up to $5,000 in the first round of grants that close 31 January while applications for a larger, second round of funding are being accepted but will not officially open until later in the year.<\/p>\n
The Artisanal Sector program was first launched last year.<\/p>\n
For more information visit agriculture.vic.gov.au\/artisanag.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE state government has reopened a grant program for artisanal producers. Called the Artisanal Sector program, the money is aimed at smaller primary producers who are seeking to value add before produce leaves the farm gate. In the past it\u2019s been used undertake capital works like adding solar systems but could go towards employing more […]<\/p>\n