FARMERS have welcomed the 2020 Federal Budget which pledges to support meaningful employment, drought insurance and improved export potential for the regions.
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Riverina agricultural workers will benefit from $2 billion to improve water infrastructure, with $155.6 million over four years to support drought and flood-impacted communities.
But the major benefit helping facilitate the region's recovery from COVID-19 was the $17.4 million in relocation assistance and $16.3 million to incentivise young Australians to take up farm work, according to Riverina farmer Alan Brown.
"There is a real problem there for our farmers, particularly shearers and fruit pickers, who need the extra hands, so I hope this funding will help improve the ability of labour for the agricultural workforce," the NSW Farmers Wagga district branch chairman said.
The budget will cover up to $6,000 in relocation costs and amend Youth Allowance eligibility thresholds to attract workers to the regions as harvest season approaches.
Mr Brown said the support for improving infrastructure was also key to the region's recovery in terms of both drought resilience and export potential.
"The drought may have gone away for now, but the lingering impact hasn't, so any measures at all that help recover from that is a good thing," he said.
"Heavy infrastructure like the inland rail system and Western Sydney airport are also all long term benefits to the export industries, which agriculture is a big one, so getting that right now is extremely important and I'm very pleased to hear there is a real focus on the future in this budget."
Part of the water infrastructure funding comes in the form of $86 million through the Future Drought Fund to establish eight Drought Resilience and Adoption Hubs that support networks of researchers, farmers, agricultural business and community groups to enhance drought resilience practice, tools and technology.
A further $50 million will also see the On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme extended to future-proof agriculture businesses.
NSW Farmers president James Jackson said the budget's support for agriculture would have a flow on effect to the entire economy, referring to the example of the no-cap instant asset write off tax break announced.
"This will give farmers the certainty they need to invest back into their businesses while helping to stimulate local economies," he said.
"There are numerous opportunities for local value adding in agriculture, which will strengthen regional economies and also help farming businesses diversify their operations."
Improving Australia's export potential proved to be a major focus of the budget this year, with Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud saying the government was to deliver a $328 million Busting Congestion for Agricultural Exporters Package.
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The funding included $222.2 million to improve digital services to take farmers to market, $10.9 million to build a more competitive meat export industry through streamlining production costs, and more.
"This suite of reforms will modernise Australia's export systems by slashing red-tape and streamlining regulation and service delivery for our farmers," Mr Littleproud said.
"We're making it faster and cheaper for farmers to get their product to market, while retaining the levels of quality and assurance that have made our exports world-class."
However, NSW Farmers' Mr Jackson said they were disappointed to see a lack of investment in biosecurity.
"Protecting Australia's clean and green reputation is paramount, particularly given the fact that the Biosecurity Levy was scrapped earlier in the year," he said.