Western Australian apple and pear growers are being urged to act quickly to seize a share of $1.45 million in Commonwealth rebates to purchase and install netting to protect their orchards.
Applications for the rebates, which open on Thursday, April 8, are being allocated on a first in, first served basis.
Eligible businesses can apply for a financial co-contribution of up to 50 per cent of the total cost of purchasing and installing permanent protective netting and associated support structures to a maximum of $300,000.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is administering the Horticultural Netting Infrastructure Scheme in WA.
The rebate for works undertaken after December 16, 2019 is for approved netting mesh, with holes less than 30 millimetres.
For more details about the Commonwealth Government's Horticulture Netting Infrastructure Scheme and to apply visit the DPIRD website http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/horticulture-netting-infrastructure-scheme
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"This is a great opportunity for pome fruit growers to boost orchard productivity and profitability by upgrading their protective cropping infrastructure with support from this Commonwealth scheme.
"Netting protects yields and quality from the impact of sunburn, wind and hail, as well as birds and other pests.
"Research has demonstrated that netting can improve water use efficiency by about 20 per cent, resulting in improved orchard productivity.
"Rebate recipients are encouraged to employ local contractors and suppliers, where possible, and must meet all relevant planning and building regulations.
"The State Government is supporting the extension of the Commonwealth program to WA, to assist our orchard growers to be more resilient and competitive."
