Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford today addressed the Australian Grains Industry Conference (AGIC) in Melbourne, congratulating industry leaders on their continued export success, generating  in excess of $1.4 billion in 2014-15.

The Victorian grains industry is today one of our big export success stories, with $141 million worth of wheat, barley and canola sent to China in 2015, and $87 million in wheat to Vietnam.

The Andrews Labor Government recently announced a $200 million Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund,  a key initiative that will help ensure the industry’s future growth.

The Fund provides $175 million for major capital works and $25 million for market access, traceability, business management and network capability building.

It builds on other key infrastructure initiatives such as the Murray Basin Rail freight project funded with a $220 million boost from the Labor Government to improve freight transport efficiency.

This year, the Government also committed $8.5 million to improve government-owned VicTrack rail sidings as part of GrainCorp’s historic $85 million Project Regeneration, upgrading train loading infrastructure at 16 primary grain sites in Victoria and three in southern NSW.

The Labor Government continues to support a comprehensive suite of research and development opportunities  to build the industry’s resilience in partnership with the Grains Research and Development Corporation.

Our researchers are now developing grains optimised for climate change and building farming systems that can adapt to variable seasons and extreme weather.

These initiatives and others developed in consultation with the industry are ensuring grain production has a bright future and will continue to underpin the wellbeing of rural communities, strengthen Victoria’s exports and create jobs across the supply chain.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford

“Victorian grain growers are resilient and innovative and the Andrews Labor Government is keen to work with them from paddock to port – ensuring we continue to boost our export potential.”

“Dry conditions, droughts, floods and unpredictable weather are all guaranteed to be part of our grain growers future, which is why we are undertaking research to safeguard grain production over coming decades”

“Grain growers also rely on vital infrastructure to get the edge they need to compete globally: our Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund will help provide that edge.”