Grants and loans offered to horticulture producers across the Sunraysia and Mallee regions
Federal and state governments have announced disaster support for horticulture producers affected by storms that hit northwest Victoria in February- March 2026.
The region was lashed by heavy rain and flash flooding, which particularly affected table grape growers in the area, who were in the midst of their season.
Funded under the joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, critical assistance will be provided to producers continuing to feel the impacts, including significant loss of income and downgraded crops.
Impacted primary producers across Mildura Rural City, Swan Hill Rural City, Gannawarra Shire and Loddon Shire can now apply for financial assistance for eligible horticulture businesses.
Primary producer grants of up to A$25,000 are available for horticulture businesses that have suffered direct damage to property for essential recovery activities such as salvaging crops or replacing damaged on-farm infrastructure
Concessional loans of up to $250,000 are available for producers who have suffered significant damage to assets, or up to $100,000 for those who experienced a major loss of income.
The announcement was welcomed by the Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA), which has been working with industry and other local partners to raise awareness and support.
”Following ATGA’s work to highlight the impact of the storms on the Sunraysia table grape industry, we’re pleased to see this support come through for affected growers,” it said.
Victorian minister for agriculture Michaela Settle said the grants and loans were designed to provide practical support for growers as they recover.
“Our growers have been hit hard. Months after these storms, many are still counting the cost, with damaged crops, lost income and another season of hard work ahead of them,” said Settle.
“Sunraysia and the Mallee are at the heart of Victoria’s horticulture industry. When our growers are doing it tough, our regional communities feel it too. We’re backing them to recover, rebuild and keep producing some of the best food in Australia.”
Federal minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry, Julie Collins added: “Growers across the Sunraysia and Mallee not only produce food for Australian families, they support jobs and regional communities, and export high-quality Australian produce around the world. We want to see these businesses recover, rebuild and keep doing what they do best.”
