Taking our local produce to the world

A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will help grow Victoria’s small-scale agribusiness, creating new jobs and attracting even more visitors from interstate and overseas to enjoy our world-leading locally-made food, beer and spirits.

Across Victoria there are thousands of small businesses making and growing some of the world’s best produce – from craft beer to artisan cheese and distilling industries – but we want to help these businesses grow even further.

Under Labor, we will establish a $10 million grant fund for small-scale agribusiness who produce craft food, beer and spirits to help them achieve even greater things on the world stage.

Grants of up to $200,000 will be available to producers who can show that the investment will help them scale up their operations and create new, local jobs.

Victoria is the epicentre of the craft beer revolution in Australia. We’re home to more than 130 craft beer businesses, more than any other state, with nearly one in three of craft beer businesses in this country.

We want to support these businesses and help them take their products and expertise to the world. Most importantly, we want to support local economies and create more local jobs.

Last year, this industry employed over 6000 people, invested $32.5 million in capital expenditure and generated $229 million in economic activity. Showing just how important these businesses are to local economies, around 65 per cent of all craft brewers in Australia are located in regional and rural areas.

Labor will also create a small-scale producers Ministerial Advisory Committee, including representatives from small-scale brewing, dairy, livestock, distilling, horticulture and other businesses.

This builds on the Labor Government’s $2 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 for grants towards Victoria’s specialist food producers.

“There is a food, beer, and spirit revolution going on in Victoria and we want to take it to the world.” “From jam to gin, this is an investment in local producers and local jobs – and a tourism boom for regional Victoria.” –Premier Daniel Andrews.

“This will create new jobs for local communities and new opportunities for local businesses, as well as supporting our amazing artisanal and premium producers to live their dreams.” –Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford.

“Consumers here at home and around the world want our produce – it’s why we’re helping Victoria’s small businesses deliver this on an even bigger scale.” –Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas.