THE Victorian Agricultural Society (VAS) was congratulated today for marking five decades of supporting rural communities and agriculture.
Agriculture minister Peter Walsh spoke at the VAS 50th anniversary luncheon at Melbourne Showgrounds, commending the dedication and passion of the organisation and its many volunteers.
“There are more than 100 agricultural show societies affiliated with the VAS, and each society enables local communities to deliver agricultural shows, field days and run state-wide competitions,” Mr Walsh said.
“These events boost local economies and play an important role in promoting agriculture to urban and regional audiences, attracting more than two million people to 112 agricultural shows and 10 agricultural field days last year alone."
He said the Victorian Government recognised annual shows and field days were much-awaited events marked on the calendars of rural and regional communities, bringing both locals and visitors together each year.
“That’s why we are proud to support agricultural show societies through the Agricultural and Pastoralist Society Grant Program, which has awarded more than $1 million in grants over the last four years.
“These grants have helped countless show societies undertake a range of projects including upgrading pavilions and display facilities, installing new power facilities and building new fences and livestock yards."
He said show societies would soon be invited to apply for the next round of grants.
Mr Walsh particularly commended the VAS for its Junior Rural Ambassador Program, which provided young people the opportunity to develop public speaking skills and industry networks.
He said programs such as this helped to attract young people into agriculture.
