Joint media release with the Hon Paul Edbrooke MP and the Hon Michaela Settle MP
The Albanese and Carroll Governments are committing dedicated horticulture producer support across four local government areas heavily impacted by the North-Western Victorian Storms in early March 2026.
The North-Western storms devastated crops across the Sunraysia/Mallee region, which is one of the largest horticultural regions in Australia.
Funded under the joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, critical assistance will be provided to producers continuing to feel the impacts, including significant loss of income and downgraded crops.
Impacted primary producers across Mildura Rural City, Swan Hill Rural City, Gannawarra Shire and Loddon Shire will now be able to apply to receive financial assistance for eligible horticulture businesses, including:
- primary producer grants of up to $25,000 for horticulture businesses who have suffered direct damage to property for essential recovery activities such as salvaging crops or replacing damaged on-farm infrastructure
- concessional loans of up to $250,000 for producers who have suffered significant damage to assets, or up to $100,000 for those who experienced a major loss of income.
For information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit ruralfinance.com.au or call 1800 260 425. Applications will be open for six months from the opening date.
Free and confidential support is also available through the Rural Financial Counselling Service, which can help producers understand their financial position,
consider recovery options and access available assistance, visit rfcsnetwork.com.au or call 1300 771 741.
Today's announcement builds on previous assistance delivered to councils in the region with joint funding secured for critical support measures including counter disaster operations, restoration of public assets and removal of debris.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain
"We're continuing to work closely with the Victorian Government to help storm-affected growers recover.
"This latest jointly-funded support package builds on support we've delivered for councils to undertake counter disaster operations and restore public assets.
"These grants and concessional loans will provide targeted help for eligible growers so they can salvage crops, replace damaged infrastructure and manage recovery costs."
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins
"This region is a key part of Victoria's food bowl, which is why we're ensuring support is available to help our farmers and producers get back on their feet and remain productive.
"Growers across the Sunraysia and Mallee not only produce food for Australian families, they support jobs and regional communities, and export high-quality Australian produce around the world.
"We want to see these businesses recover, rebuild and keep doing what they do best."
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Paul Edbrooke
"Victoria's primary producers are too often the hardest hit by severe weather. Expanding this financial support will provide more farmers with more money to help them get back on their feet.
"This government continues to stand with disaster affected Victorians, providing ongoing and tailored support that meets immediate needs"
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle
"Our growers have been hit hard. Months after these storms, many are still counting the cost, with damaged crops, lost income and another season of hard work ahead of them.
"These grants and loans are about practical help for growers. Helping them recover what they can, repair what's been damaged and get back to doing what they do best.
"Sunraysia and the Mallee are at the heart of Victoria's horticulture industry. When our growers are doing it tough, our regional communities feel it too. We're backing them to recover, rebuild and keep producing some of the best food in Australia."
