Tuesday, 22 September 2020

More than 100 food businesses, farmers and suppliers across Victoria are keeping workers safe and supply chains going thanks to support from the Victorian Government, helping workplaces adapt to physical distancing and hygiene measures.

The funding through the Government’s Business Adaptation Grants program will also support the retraining of 30 employees in COVID-safe processes and the use of new equipment.

In Victoria’s east, dairy food manufacturer Village Dairy in Traralgon is receiving $76,000 to semi-automate the business’ cheese packing process to allow for greater physical distancing between employees.

The Business Adaptation Grants have been rolled out across Victoria as part of the Government’s Agriculture Workforce Plan, which is also providing grants for worker induction and re-training, and worker relocation and transport.

The Plan is supporting businesses within key agriculture and food processing industries through job-matching, case management, targeted industry skills development and initiatives to support Victorian producers connect into new markets.

Applications for Business Adaptation Grants have now been extended and are open until the end of 2020, to support Victorian agribusinesses through the summer harvest season. To find out more or to apply for a grant, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/agworkforceplan.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaclyn Symes

“Local agribusinesses and food producers have shown tremendous resilience to supply quality products and keep people in work throughout the pandemic. These grants will capitalise on the strengths of our agricultural sector which in turn can lead our economic recovery and support domestic and international food security.”

 “Industry came to us at the start of the pandemic and identified adaptation support as an important way we can help them continue their work – we’ve listened to this advice and are continuing to support businesses in this way.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing

“Helping local agribusinesses to operate safely and efficiently whilst minimising the risk of Covid transmission is a huge part of our economic and industry recovery. These business grants are just one way we are working with industry to protect and maintain worker safety and productivity, and I would encourage eligible businesses to apply.”