The Federal Government is helping organisers\u00a0of Gippsland agricultural shows and field days struggling with the financial impact of the coronavirus.<\/p>\n
Local MP Darren Chester said a new $2.7 million funding pool would help officials to meet ongoing expenses following a marked decline in revenue.<\/p>\n
\u201cLike many of our agricultural shows, our field days have also had to cancel their 2020 events\u00a0due to restrictions to combat the coronavirus,\u201d\u00a0Mr\u00a0Chester said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur agricultural field days boost local economic activity and provide a platform to showcase the latest\u00a0innovations\u00a0and agricultural technology.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo of the most prominent events in our region are the East Gippsland Field Days and Farm World at Lardner Park. Both events attract thousands of people and generate support for local Gippsland businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr\u00a0Chester said the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program would\u00a0provide a one-off reimbursement to agricultural show societies and agricultural field day\u00a0organisers.<\/p>\n
\u201cField days could be eligible to claim reimbursement costs\u00a0for expenses\u00a0including bank fees, utilities, rates, insurance, fire alarms and equipment, cleaning supplies\u00a0and\u00a0telecommunications\u201d\u00a0Mr\u00a0Chester said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is important we help to secure the future of these events not only for the economic contribution they make to our community, but for the skills and knowledge they provide to our farmers and primary producers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis support will help these\u00a0organisations\u00a0through this difficult period so they can continue to showcase innovation and support our regional communities into the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Supporting Agricultural Shows and Fields Days program funding complements the Australian Government\u2019s existing\u00a0$20 million Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants Program and will be provided under the $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund.<\/p>\n
An additional $100,000 one-off grant will be provided to the Association of Agricultural Field Days Australasia to support its annual conference scheduled for\u00a0April 30 to May\u00a02<\/a>\u00a0next year\u00a0and\u00a0provide\u00a0training and assistance for members on recovery management planning.<\/p>\n