Emma Kealy – Producers see red over Labor’s green drought silence
Tuesday 23 July 2024
Livestock and dairy producers in the south west of Victoria have been financially crippled by a “green drought”, yet their distressed calls for support have been met with complete silence from the Allan Labor Government.
The Allan Labor Government must declare a “green drought” on the back of extremely low rain levels to trigger critical financial support from the Federal Government for our growers.
A “green drought’’ is winter phenomenon, where paddocks appear green on top, but desirable pasture species are suffering from soil moisture stress and stunted growth.
The recent rain and green hue hide a grim picture of distress for many farmers, as early rains during the warmer growing season were missed and current pasture levels are grossly insufficient to maintain stock at expected growth rates.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Emma Kealy, has in the past week met with a raft of concerned growers to witness the crisis firsthand and ask what support they need.
Ms Kealy said producers are facing soaring costs for feed and fodder and being put in the “horrendous” position of having to destroy stock or borrow more money from the bank to feed their stock.
“Without government support, there is no doubt many growers will be facing bank foreclosures in numbers that could in the future devastate Victoria’s growing potential and agricultural contribution to the economy,” Ms Kealy said.
“A simple and quick first step is for the government to produce a simple map of areas affected by extremely low rainfall, then banks have no excuse not to offer interest and repayment relief or waive fees and charges to provide a bit of financial breathing space for our growers.
“As demand for feed and fodder grows, local supply is dwindling, pushing up these input costs. It is unsustainable without support from government in the immediate future.
“Labor can’t manage to support our agricultural producers in their time of need and Victorians are paying the price.”