Following recent rainfall in the Sunraysia area that delivered more than two thirds of the region's annual total in just 48 hours, Agriculture Victoria is asking growers to report loss and damage to their industry group so the full impact of the event can be understood.
Almond, grape and melon harvests were disrupted when close to 150 mm of rain fell across the region earlier this month. Water damage and access issues are continuing to impact an already challenging season.
State Agency Commander Wendy Thom said Agriculture Victoria had been working with industry to understand the impacts.
'Loss and damage information is currently being collated by industry groups, and some impacts will take time to fully understand as harvest operations progress,' Ms Thom said.
'This work is critical to building an accurate picture of impacts and will help inform recovery planning, so we urge growers to report their impacts to their industry group as soon as they can.'
Agriculture Victoria has established an Incident Management Team which is working closely with growers, industry groups and local councils to understand impacts as they continue to emerge.
Agriculture Victoria is also offering technical support to farm businesses in areas including:
- irrigation and horticulture system rehabilitation
- soil erosion management
- land management
- farm mapping and planning
Growers are encouraged to access an independent assessment of their situation, with free, confidential support available through the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS), including help with cash flow, business planning, creditor negotiations and grant applications.
