The Australian Government has today announced a $2.7 million boost for agricultural field days to ensure they can continue to showcase innovation and support regional communities after the pandemic.
Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said this $2.7 million announcement is in addition to the $36.3 million previously announced to support agricultural show societies.
“With so many great agricultural shows and field days in New England, this announcement will be well received and provide a real boost to our local communities as they battle the economic fallout of COVID-19,” Mr Joyce said.
“Field Days could be eligible to claim reimbursement costs including bank fees, utilities, rates, insurance, fire alarms and equipment, cleaning supplies, telecommunications, IT system licensing costs, website costs, state and national show body affiliation fees and rent.
“It complements grants already supporting communities around the New England including more than $100,000 to build new grandstands for Manilla Show Society.”
The initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s $1 billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund, which is supporting regions, communities and industry sectors severely affected by the pandemic.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the funding is part of an overall $39 million commitment to help show societies and field days deal with cash-flow pressures caused by COVID-19 cancellations.
“All agricultural shows and field days that have cancelled their event in 2020 because of COVID-19 will be eligible and they will not have to compete for assistance,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the program will provide a one-off reimbursement to agricultural show societies and agricultural field day organisers impacted by COVID-19.
“This funding supports not only the larger agricultural field days but also the smaller regional ones because we acknowledge the role these events play in supporting on-farm innovation, productivity and profitability,” Minister Littleproud said.
For more information, visit agriculture.gov.au
(ENDS)