Northern Territory growers who spend up to $200,000 per year installing or repairing protective netting can apply to have half their costs reimbursed under a new program.
The Horticultural Netting Program - Trial is aimed at NT growers and horticultural crop producers to help protect against pests and adverse climate conditions.
Improving the resilience of the Northern Territory's horticultural production systems is important for maintaining the continuous growth of the industry. Nearly $365,000 is available for commercial horticultural crops growers in the Territory to support this.
Applications are open from today until 30 June 2024, or until funding is fully committed.
Under the program, the grants will reimburse growers who purchase and install new netting, or who replace damaged netting. Successful applicants will be reimbursed 50 per cent of the cost of installations, or repairs up to $100,000 for each grower per year.
The expanded Australian Government funded and Northern Territory Government administered program is one way that the plant industries sector is being supported to grow the value of horticulture to meet national and Territory targets.
Research shows that horticultural netting delivers productivity benefits by protecting crops from extreme weather and pests, leading to increased quality and quantity of crops, and can reduce water usage by up to 30 per cent.
Fruit grown under netting is more likely to meet the standards demanded by local and international markets, and the use of netting also helps ensure continuity of produce supply.
To read the Horticultural Netting Program - Trial grant guidelines and to apply, head to the GrantsNT website: here
Quotes from Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade - Director Plant Industries, Dr Muhammad Sohail Mazhar:
"The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade is committed to supporting the horticulture sector in the Territory to improve its productivity and profitability.
"We know that plant industries provide jobs in local areas and are a significant contributor to our local economy, and the industry is worth $458.2 million per year to the Territory.
"This grant provides an opportunity for Territory horticultural producers to install netting on their plantations to protect crops from extreme weather and pests.
"I want to encourage horticultural crops growers to apply for the grants each year, so they can receive funding for this project which contributes to increased economic activity in the Territory."
