The latest round of funding for the Small-Scale and Craft Program opens today.
Grants from the $10.2 million program will help fund the operations of small-scale and craft producers in the state, with $4.3 million already injected into Victoria’s producers.
The Small-Scale and Craft Program will support small businesses in the state’s agricultural sector – including cultured butter manufacturers, gourmet vegetable growers, gin distillers and smoked meat producers.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas visited AC Hops – a local craft beer brewery with more than 150 years of farming in the district of Dean – to launch the grants.
“We’re helping producers like AC Hops to grow their business to meet the interest from people who want to know more about where their produce comes from and want to support local makers,” said Minister Thomas.
The local brewery received funding from the program to expand its hop yard, increase production and enable the business to expand its product portfolio with new equipment including a hot pelletiser and cool room.
“The funding has supported us in fast tracking our plans to give craft breweries across to local farmgate hops to ‘add a little story to their brew’ and greatly assisted us in purchasing the specialised equipment needed to produce the best quality hops,” said AC Hops owned Allistair Tippett.
Funding under this program is also expected to boost local tourism in regional towns, create jobs and encourage more Victorians to choose local products.
“This new stream of funding will make sure even more Victorian producers can grow their business, welcome more visitors and boost local economies,” added the Minister.
To find out more about the Small-Scale and Craft Program visit the agriculture.vic.gov.au.
