Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG), the state industry body representing fruit, vegetable, and nut growers, has welcomed a government decision to amend the definition of a primary producer. The change will allow more growers to access support through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The updated definition means disaster-affected growers who were previously ineligible may now qualify for assistance such as Disaster Recovery Grants, disaster loans, and freight subsidies.
QFVG CEO Rachel Chambers said the change is about ensuring help reaches those who need it most.
"We identified in previous disasters that the definition of a primary producer was stopping support from getting to those who needed it," Chambers said.
"We thank the state government for their hard work behind the scenes to make this happen, and the federal government for understanding the realities of farming, which isn't a straightforward industry in its operations."
Chambers added that Queensland has always led in advocating for tailored disaster support, and QFVG will continue to work with all levels of government to ensure the recovery framework meets the needs of growers and supports the resilience of Queensland's farming communities.
For more information:
Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers
Tel: +61 (0) 73620 3844
Email: [email protected]
www.qfvg.com.au