Victorian agricultural and pastoral societies looking to improve their infrastructure or boost awareness and involvement in regional shows will get more support from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced the $300,000 Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program is open to applications ahead of the 2024/25 Show season.
The program aims to support Agricultural and Pastoral Societies in projects that help stimulate community involvement in activities that promote agriculture.
Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 for infrastructure development and other business activities to celebrate Victoria's agricultural communities, industry and produce.
The grants can be used to upgrade or establish new facilities, enhance public amenities, improve essential infrastructure, improve business management activities, biosecurity planning and promote reporting of livestock movements.
Previous projects funded under the program include new animal yards, fencing, shade covers and lighting or upgrades to shearing pavilions, luncheon halls, public amenities and viewing stands.
In previous rounds the Sale and District Agriculture Society received a grant of $10,000 to replace aged and damaged horse yards with 66 safer and more robust horse yards.
The project also included replacing existing weathered and unsafe wooden fence in the cattle show area with new durable treated pine and galvanised steel panels.
The Port Fairy Agricultural Show received a grant worth more than $7,000 to purchase portable picket fencing to provide safety for the show exhibits and families with small children eager to interact with the animals.
Applications close on 23 August.To learn more about the Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program or to apply today, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
"We are proud to keep supporting our Agricultural and Pastoral societies to put on their fantastic shows across Victoria that display the best of our agriculture industry."
"These societies are at the heart of our regional communities, and this initiative will help them to showcase agriculture to the many Victorians who love attending our rural shows."
