Joint media release: $22 million for flood-affected primary industries supply chain

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt
New South Wales Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW, the Hon Paul Toole MP
New South Wales Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Western NSW, the Hon Dugald Saunders MP

Agricultural processing businesses that were impacted by the February and March 2022 floods are being assisted to re-establish operations through the Australian and NSW Government’s $22 million Supply Chain Support Program.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt said assistance is now available to rebuild, repair and improve the resilience of eligible processors that operate within the fisheries, horticulture and agriculture sectors.

“The Supply Chain Support Program is about supporting the creation and retention of jobs, while continuing to build the sustainability of these critical industries,” Minister Watt said.

“Eligible processors that experienced direct flood damage can apply for up to $2 million to support projects such as the replacement of damaged plant and machinery, business and product diversification or transporting product from outside the area.

“Processing businesses indirectly impacted by floods through major supply chain disruptions can apply for up to $250,000.”

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said helping businesses to become more resilient and reduce the impact of future natural disasters is essential to keeping specialised jobs and skills in regional areas.

“From paddock to plate, the Supply Chain Support Program looks to strengthen primary industries by encouraging processing companies like abattoirs, fisherman’s co-operatives and fruit-packing facilities to modernise operations, reduce workforce disruptions and build industry sustainability,” Mr Toole said.

“This program is about safeguarding the future of these important businesses and protecting the regional jobs they provide.

“This boost builds on the more than $221 million that has gone out the door to help flood-affected farmers across all sectors in the past 12 months alone, including the $75,000 Special Disaster Grant for primary producers, the $25,000 Rural Landholder Grants, and the Critical Producer Grants of up to $100,000.”

NSW Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said governments will continue to protect our critical primary industry supply chains throughout these challenging times.

“Farmers across the State are working tirelessly throughout this recovery process to ensure they continue to produce top-quality food and fibre for the people of NSW and Australia,” Mr Saunders said.

“This funding, part of the $150 million Primary Industry Support Package, means we’re not just backing in processors, but also ensuring our primary producers have the support of strong supply chains to get their products to market.”

Eligible applicants must be located in one of the 62 LGAs impacted by AGRN 1012, as listed at nsw.gov.au/disaster-recovery/natural-disaster-declarations, or represent members that have been impacted.

For further information and to apply, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/supplychainsupport