Funding boost is all apples... and pears

The resilience of the South Australian apple and pear industry has been given a boost through a new funding grant.

The funding provided by the Marshall Government, in partnership with the Federal Liberal Government, will roll-out workshops focusing on what can be learnt from a severe storm, which cost the industry $32 million in 2017.

It comes after last month’s announcement that the Marshall Government would provide a $400,000 funding boost to apple, pear and cherry growers across the state for efficiency generating water and solar pumping equipment.

South Australian Minister for Emergency Services, Corey Wingard, said a well-prepared community is resilient and that means better outcomes for everyone if a disaster strikes.

“This funding encourages shared responsibility when it comes to preparing for and responding to disasters and keeping communities safe,” Minister Wingard said.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Tim Whetstone said South Australia’s primary producers are a resilient group and this includes our local apple and pear growers who have had to deal with significant weather events over consecutive years.

“This latest funding follows last month’s Regional Growth Fund grant to help reduce on-farm energy costs, as well as the appointment of an Adelaide Hills dedicated Family and Business Support Mentor.”

Grants for the 24 disaster resilience initiatives are jointly funded by the Liberal State Government through the National Partnership Agreement on Natural Disaster Resilience, with cash contributions from the grant recipients taking the total investment to $2.74 million.

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