The VFF has been meeting regularly with all levels of government and their associated bureaucracies.
The recovery of farmers and regional Victoria is front and centre of all our discussions as we are committed to returning these families and businesses to their vibrant best.
This week, the Victorian state government announced an assistance package to replace fencing in fire-affected areas, with the option to upgrade to exclusion fencing.
The VFF identified the fires presented a once in a lifetime opportunity to place exclusion fencing on boundaries that adjoin crown land.
This initiative will protect farmers from wild dogs, deer and other agricultural pests for many years to come.
Grants of up to $75,000 are currently available to assist farmers with the replacement of farm infrastructure, vet support, livestock disposal and on-farm maintenance.
It is critical that support is offered to farmers at the time of crisis and assist them in implementing their business recovery plan.
The VFF is outlining to government that the road to recovery is a long one, and are advocating for assistance packages to support agribusinesses into the medium and long term.
The government is also supporting farmers and regional communities with the waiving of charges and relaxation of taxes and duties.
The VFF has received additional support from the Victorian government to run the fodder program.
This initiative is critical in assisting farmers who have lost fodder and pasture in maintaining animal welfare standards of their livestock.
The VFF has to date received over 21,000 bales of fodder, which is being distributed via depots in Bairnsdale and Corryong.
- David Jochinke is the VFF president
