Big boost for small Victorian producers

Grants of up to $15,000 are available for eligible organisations to expand into new markets, scale up their operations, adopt new technology or develop tourism offerings.

The program is already supporting many businesses, including gourmet pie producers, olive growers, sake distillers and alpaca farmers to grow and boost resilience.

Since it commenced in 2019, the Small-Scale and Craft Program has awarded grants to more than 300 businesses and invested $6.6 million in the sector. It is part of the Victorian government’s 10-year agriculture strategy to create a sector that is strong, innovative and sustainable.

Applications for the latest round of the Small-Scale and Craft Program are now open and will close on 31 July 2022.

Grants up to $15,000 are available to eligible small-scale and craft agribusinesses for projects that:

• Support Victoria’s small-scale and craft agribusinesses to expand into new markets to support business resilience, scale-up operations, adopt new technology and increase access to tourism by developing individual tourism offerings
• Ensure Victoria continues to be a leader in artisanal produce, with a renewed focus on excellence, resilience, sustainability, local job creation and economic development

Grant money can be used for:

• New equipment or small-scale infrastructure (including signage)
• Technology adoption (excluding training and ongoing maintenance and service support costs)
• Expansion of the agribusiness into new markets, including market development strategies and export support
• Product diversification
• Development and updating of farm gate outlets or sites for tourism (all permits must be submitted as evidence prior to grant agreement)

Other eligible expenditure will be accepted on a per-case basis. Projects must be completed within five months of the executed grant agreement.

Minister for Agriculture, Mary-Anne Thomas, said the government is backing small-scale producers because they provide world-class products, create unique experiences and attract visitors to all parts of Victoria, creating more local jobs.

For more information visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/smallscaleandcraftprogram