In wind, hail and sunshine: Net gain for horticulture

WAIKERIE citrus grower Brenton Kay is encouraging his fellow farmers to take advantage of $3 million in netting grants to protect trees and fruit from extreme weather.

Mr Kay applied for the Federal Government’s Horticulture Netting Infrastructure Grants program in September 2020 to install protective netting around his crops and said more Riverland growers should “get on it”.

“We applied for the grant funding as a trial and have just finished installing netting that covers 2.5 hectares of citrus, and I’m already looking at further funding to extend the netting area,” Mr Kay said.

“The netting was something we were really interested in.

I thought (that) if there’s a way to save on water, cut wind, save fruit from hail and sunburn, and raise our class one fruit, then we should give it a go.”

Barker MP Tony Pasin said $3 million in the grant funding program remains available to Riverland growers.

“It’s an excellent program – not only is it great for farmers in reducing fruit losses to bad weather, but it’s creating jobs during the pandemic,” he said.

I’m very pleased to see so many growers jumping on the funding offered, as I’ve been so saddened by going out to blocks that have been destroyed by hail.

“There is still an opportunity for Riverland farmers to apply for a grant of up to $300,000, with $3 million remaining available to Riverland growers until the funding runs out.”

Mr Kay said the support provided by Mr Pasin made applying for the grant funding easier.

“We attended a meeting in Renmark last year where Tony laid out all the relevant information in a simple, easy-to-understand manner, and the benefits were too high to ignore,” Mr Kay said.

“Already, I’ve noticed a difference.

“On hot days, it’s been three or four degrees cooler under the netting, which is a big difference for the fruit.

“I’m already looking at applying for further grant funding to extend the netting on my blocks, and I strongly encourage other Riverland growers to have a look.”

Further information regarding the Horticulture Netting Infrastructure Grants program application and eligibility can be found here.