AFTER a substantial hailstorm in March 2023, orchardists were left devastated by the lasting damage caused by the storm. Disappointed and financially struggling, fruit growers across the region were calling out for help.
On May 16, the Albanese and Andrews Governments have introduced a program to provide concessional loans of up to $250,000 to Victorian primary producers affected by the destructive hailstorm. The assistance is part of the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and aims to support eligible farmers in the City of Greater Shepparton and the Yarra Ranges Local Government Areas.
The loans are intended to help primary producers re-establish their operations, restore or replace damaged assets, and cover working capital expenses that have been impacted by a loss of income. The concessional loan program acknowledges the substantial impact on the horticultural sector and aims to support fruit and vegetable growers who have been affected in the past six months.
One such business affected by the storms is McNab Orchards Ardmona, with hailstorms damaging their precious crops, leaving the business with significant difficulties meeting supply needs.
In an article posted by ABC News, Fruit Growers Chair Mitchell McNab of McNab Orchards Ardmona stated that the concessional loans are a start but are not enough.
“The unfortunate reality is growers are going off the back of two quite stressful years financially, with low fruit prices, labour issues, labour pricing issues, and COVID,” Mr McNab said.
“A lot of people don’t recognise the capital requirements in horticulture businesses particularly, compared to some of the other farming sectors,” Mr McNab said.
He said there was “no way to recover the cost” of lost crops.
