Photo: The Weekly Times

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes today opened the third round of the Managing Fruit Fly Regional Grants Program.

The Labor Government is backing community-led projects to give them the resources they need to protect and manage the impact of Queensland fruit fly on local produce.

Community action is vital when it comes to protecting Victoria’s multi-million-dollar horticulture industry and home gardens across the state.

Queensland fruit fly poses a significant threat to Victoria’s growing horticulture industry, disrupting both production and trade.

Grants will fund projects that support community action on Queensland fruit fly by building awareness and increasing capacity to control Queensland fruit fly locally.

Queensland fruit fly monitoring, netting, host tree removal, workshops and other community engagement activities are eligible for funding through the grants program.

Horticultural industry groups, local government authorities, not-for-profit organisations and community groups in rural and regional Victoria are invited to apply for grants, valued at up to $5,000, before 17 May.

Larger grants, aligned to existing Regional Action Plans, are available in the three regional areas of Greater Sunraysia, Goulburn Murray Valley and the Yarra Valley.  Applications close 3 May.

For more information about the Managing Fruit Fly Regional Grants Program and how to apply, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/qffgrants.