Energy-efficiency grants to aid vegetable growers

Australian vegetables growers will have access to $100 million in energy-efficiency grants under a new policy announced by Greens leader Christine Milne. The grants would assist energy-intensive farms upgrade capital equipment or install on-farm renewable energy systems.

“We welcome the announcement of the Greens’ initiative as the Australian horticulture industry is constantly striving to improve efficiencies, and assistance of this type would mean that growers could access cutting-edge technology in order to use electricity as efficiently as possible, and bring down their production costs,” said AUSVEG Public Affairs Manager William Churchill.

“Vegetable growing by nature is an energy-intensive activity. Australian vegetable growers rely on electricity not only to drive their irrigation pumps but also to run the large refrigeration facilities required to keep produce chilled, while also lighting and powering sheds where vegetables are packed prior to distribution.”

On-farm renewable energy systems could provide power for energy-intensive processes such as irrigation, packaging and processing. Reducing power use could reduce growers’ costs, which could make them more cost competitive with overseas growers, Churchill said.

“Vegetable imports are at record levels, reaching a value of $908 million in 2011/12, so any initiative to assist local growers become more efficient, and lower costs, should be seriously considered to help avoid the closure of more farms,” Churchill said.

Senator Milne made the announcement at the NSW Farmers Federation Horticulture Conference in Sydney.