The Andrews Labor Government is backing Victoria’s agriculture businesses with a $31.2 million investment that will bolster initiatives for Victorian food and beverage producers.
The investment, announced by Acting Minister for Trade and Investment Danny Pearson, will allot $10 million in support for the Distillery Door program and $5 million for the Wine to the World program that will assist Victorian winemakers, distillers, and their communities.
The initiatives will also improve regional towns’ appeal as travel destinations while promoting industrial expansion, skill development, and domestic and worldwide market expansion, the government said in a media statement.
Pearson expressed his delight in ensuring that more people – both at home and abroad – can enjoy Victoria’s superior goods.
“We’re backing our drinks producers to take their products to the world and create jobs here in Victoria,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney, said “Not only are we helping the people at the heart of our agriculture sector, we’re also providing hospitality training opportunities ensuring Victorian produce continues to play a starring role in the food and drinks we enjoy.”
Through a $5 million investment, the Labor Government said it will continue to provide hospitality scholarships, ensuring Victoria’s food and beverage industry has competent personnel.
Also, scholarships of up to $10,000 will be awarded to regional and metropolitan students in order to help them thrive in their new occupations while also delivering a much-needed labour boost for our hospitality industry.
The government added the ingredients grown by Victorian farmers serve as the foundation for Victoria’s world-class food and beverage industry.
A $3 million funding package will be distributed over the following three years to address significant agricultural safety hazards, assisting our farmers in maintaining the high-quality product for which they are renowned.
