The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) welcomes the Tasmanian Government’s new $1.2 million program, aimed at increasing the acreage of vineyards and orchards in Tasmania.
Minister for Economic Development David O’Byrne has now released the guidelines under which people can apply for interest rebates for the first three years of the establishment of new orchards and vineyards.
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said expansion in these sectors was an inevitable consequence of Tasmania’s accelerated irrigation program.
“It’s called playing to your strengths,” Ms Davis said.
“Most people probably do not realise that there are long lead-times in establishing fruit and wine businesses.
“It is not unusual for there to be a waiting period of six or seven years before the first significant crop or vintage from a new planting. That means six or seven years before you start to get any money in. Meanwhile, loans have to be repaid.”
The TFGA was instrumental in ensuring that the scheme addressed the needs of orchardists and vineyard owners.
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis
