Horticulture funding netted for Queensland

Member for Maranoa David Littleproud MP with Sarina and Anthony Maggiolo.

By Emily-Rose Toohey

Growers in the Granite Belt area are set to benefit from the Horticultural Netting Program’s expansion.

Applethorpe-based Sunstate Fruits Pty Ltd owners Sarina and Anthony Maggiolo have had their netting impacted by hail, and the former said a particularly massive storm in 2019 effected 80 per cent of their crop and netting structure.

“I don’t think any farmer could go without netting – we couldn’t grow our product,” Sarina said.

The $10.9 million Queensland-wide expansion to the program allows horticulture growers to access 50 per cent of the cost of purchasing and installing protective netting – the first round was announced in May last year.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud MP said this brings Queenland’s netting funding total to $13 million.

“Horticultural netting provides a huge range of benefits,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Properly installed netting can seriously improve both the quality and quantity of fresh food crops, while reducing water usage by up to 30 per cent.”

Furthermore, Sarina said that they would not have been able to re-net their property without assistance.

“It’s a huge thing, especially because supermarkets won’t take fruit that have imperfections,” she said.

Her partner Anthony is a third generation farmer after his Grandfather first bought the property in 1952.

As a result, Sarina said it’s in his his blood.

“We’ve seen many changes and challenges,” she said.

“It’s good to have support which may promote and encourage young farmers to keep doing it.

“We’re very grateful and and hope it will continue.”

Mr Littleproud said although the program is state-wide, Granite Belt producers are especially impacted.

Horticulture producers can apply to the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority for grant from 24 May.

The scheme is funded by the Australian Government and administered in Queensland by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) for primary producers, in order to reduce netting costs in the event of adverse weather events.