More than $8 million of grants out of the $14.6m state government horticultural netting program has been allocated, help primary producers across greater Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills and the Riverland to buy and install new netting or replace any damaged netting to protect horticulture crops.
The grant program, announced in June last year, gives growers the opportunity to apply for up to half of the costs associated with horticulture netting, up to a maximum of $300,000. Eligible growers are required to at least match the grant contribution.
More than 83 projects across the state have been funded as part of the program.
"We have now committed more than half this funding which has unlocked more than $17.5 million worth of projects across SA," Primary Industries Minister David Basham said.
RELATED READING: Fruit, veg and nut cards help educate
"Together with primary producers co-investing, nearly 550 hectares of valuable horticulture crops such as apples and pears will be covered."
The program was announced in the wake of damaging hailstorms in recent years.
"SA farmers and horticulturalists grow world-class produce, but they have had to deal with some challenging conditions in the past few years," Mr Basham said.
"The grants program is a major investment in our premium SA crops and our fantastic growers who work so hard to produce them and as an added bonus it also supports local jobs during construction."
The program is funded by the federal government, and administered by the state government. It will operate until June 30, 2023, or until funds are exhausted.
Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Sign up here to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.
