Today it was my pleasure to announce details of the Hodgman Liberal Government’s $1.5 million, Water for Profit Program.
This initiative will help Tasmanian farmers reap the full benefits of our expanding irrigation schemes by making the most of the very best agricultural research and development available.
It’s been a significant year for Tasmanian agriculture with confirmation of a combined $115 million investment from the Federal and State Liberal Governments and farmers to progress five second tranche irrigation schemes.
Irrigation is transforming the landscape of agriculture in Tasmania, creating jobs and supporting regional communities.
The $1.5 million, Water for Profit Program is about farming in a smarter way.
The four year program will give farmers direct access to the right technologies and information developed through the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture.
But it will also work both ways, with the needs of our farmers to have a greater influence on the direction of research and development in Tasmania.
The program, which will be delivered by the TIA, DPIPWE and the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association with the support of Tasmanian Irrigation, will consist of four components:
This information has the potential to change the way families have farmed for centuries and secure farms for generations to come.
TIA’s Deputy Director, Associate Professor Dugald Close said the program had benefited from key industry consultation.
“The aim is for farmers and their advisors to lead and set the research, development and extension agenda for this collaborative initiative,” he said.
“TIA will provide expertise in response to this agenda to ensure they have the critical information needed to maximise yields and profits, and protect their soils and the environment.”
The Hodgman Liberal Government has a vision to grow the annual farm gate value of produce in the state to $10 billion by 2050, this investment in farming in a smarter way will help us to achieve this.
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