Andrew Hastie (Canning, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Apple and pear farmers across Western Australia will soon be able to access a fund of $1.5 million to install new netting or replace damaged netting. The majority of orchards in WA are not netted as the up-front costs of installing the protection are a major barrier for most farmers. However, netting delivers clear productivity boosts by protecting crops from extreme weather and predators. Netting increases protection from sunburn, wind and hail, not to mention birds and bats. Importantly, netting also delivers a dramatic improvement in water efficiency. A recent three-year trial in WA found that netting reduced water requirements by around 20 per cent. Apple and Pear Australia Limited estimate the cost of netting at up to $60,000 per hectare.

The scheme will commence in 2020 and operate until 31 December 2021 or until funds are fully committed. Eligible growers will be required to at least match the Commonwealth contribution, and the trial program will be capped at $300,000 per grower. This initiative will make a big difference for apple and pear growers across the Perth Hills.

WA's fruit growers punch above their weight in a tough market. I'm proud to represent many of them in this parliament, and it's right that we should be doing what we can to back Australian horticulture. This is an important part of the Morrison government's plan to increase the value of Australian agriculture to $100 billion by 2030.