Property leases, for genuine farming activity, have been excluded from the provisions of Victoria's new retail leases legislation.
Small Business Minister Adem Somyurek has made a Ministerial Determination to exclude certain types of leases from the new Retail Leases Act.
The determination provides clarification the Retail Leases Act was not intended to apply to the lease of premises, used for commercial farming.
"Fairer retail leases and less red tape are an essential part of making Victoria the best state in Australia to grow a small business," Mr Somyurek said.
"These reforms have been developed in consultation with small business owners, retailers and landlords, reflecting our commitment to listening and engaging with stakeholders at all levels."
A government spokesman said it was intended tenants of a retail business, under the lease of a farm premises, continued to be covered by the act.
That was intended to cover premises being used for a retail supply of goods and services to consumers.
"The determination is not intended to apply to leases of retail premises on a farm, such as artisanal producers that add value to or transform an agricultural product for sale, such as businesses producing honey, jam, cheese or herbs to the general public from the leased premises," the spokesman said.
The exemption didn't apply to businesses that conducted onsite farming, processing and sale of products, such as cheese stores and cellar door wineries.
