- Premier
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Victorian small-scale agricultural businesses to grow - boosting jobs, attracting visitors and making sure regional communities are vibrant destinations to live and visit.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes visited Tolpuddle Goat Cheese and Farm Foods in Tarrawingee today to encourage small-scale and craft agribusinesses across Victoria to apply for the Labor Government's Small-Scale and Craft Program.
Two streams of funding are available under the $10 million program:
- Small-Scale and Craft Business Development grants of up to $25,000 for projects that support eligible small-scale and craft producers to scale up, expand their operations and diversify their products
- Job Creation and Economic Development grants of between $25,000-$200,000 for eligible small-scale and craft agribusinesses to deliver significant projects that deliver benefits to the community and generate jobs. Projects involving multiple businesses are encouraged to apply.
Tolpuddle Goat Cheese and Farm Foods is a family-owned and operated farm producing premium cheese products from 50 Saanen dairy goats. The farm has an on-site cheese factory that can process up to 300 litres of fresh goats' milk every day into small batches of hand-made, specialist cheeses.
Delivering on a key Labor Government election commitment, the Small-Scale and Craft Program is a four-year program that builds on the Government's Artisanal Sector Program to support businesses looking to scale-up operations, diversify product lines and expand outreach.
Tolpuddle was one of 248 grant recipients from the Artisanal Sector Program, receiving $5000 to purchase a humidifier for the cheese maturation room - allowing the business to expand their products and improve the production process.
Victoria is renowned for its premium produce and the Government is proud to support agricultural businesses to scale up, increase their unique food and drink offerings, and take the state's produce to the world.
Applications for Small-Scale and Craft Business Development grants close on 6 December. Expressions of interest for Job Creation and Economic Development grants close on 31 December.
For more information and to apply for a grant, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture.
As noted by Premier Daniel Andrews
"Our state is renowned for its quality food and drink. We're proud to back the small businesses that make our craft produce sector so fantastic - boosting local jobs and increasing tourism to regional Victoria along the way."
As noted by Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes
"If you're one of Victoria's unique, small-scale food, craft beer or spirit producers, I encourage you to apply for a grant - and if you're a Victorian who loves good food and drink, get out and support our stellar local producers."
