- Published:
- Monday 21 May 2018
Farmers who are seeking to better manage their energy costs are now able to apply for an on-farm assessment with the commencement of the Andrews Labor Government’s Agriculture Energy Plan.
The on-farm assessments form a key part of the Labor Government’s $30 million Agriculture Energy Investment Plan and are aimed to help farmers better manage energy costs by providing expert advice and opportunities to improve efficiency, while investing in new technology.
The assessments, which are free for eligible primary producers, will be conducted by registered, independent experts and provide farmers with tailored advice on how to make energy decisions for their businesses.
Farmers are required to have an on-farm assessment or a similar, recently-conducted energy assessment, to qualify for an on-farm energy grant. The grant program will support farmers implement recommended changes on-farm to improve energy efficiency and productivity.
A specialist independent advisory panel was also announced today. The panel, comprised of energy and agriculture experts, will provide advice on the design and implementation of the Agriculture Energy Investment Plan.
Panel members include; Mark Wootton, Chair, Jigsaw Farms Principal, David Jochinke, Victorian Farmers Federation President, Alan Pears AM, Senior Industry Fellow, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT, Natalie Collard, Executive General Manager Clean Energy Council and Adam Jenkins, United Dairyfarmers of Victoria President.
The Agriculture Energy Investment Plan is a partnership between Agriculture Victoria, primary producers, agricultural and educational groups, designed to support Victorian farmers and agricultural businesses. The panel is a demonstration of this partnership across energy and agriculture sectors.
Farmers are encouraged to apply for an on-farm assessment using the farmer guidelines at agriculture.vic.gov.au/agenergy
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“This is about cutting costs for farmers and helping them realise how we can make a more sustainable and adaptable farm sector.”
“These on-farm assessments are really important for our primary producers who are looking to not just cut cost, but also invest in new technology.”