Victoria's farmers to receive funding and emergency fodder after fire damage

If you're a farmer in Victoria whose pastures and other feed supplies have been damaged or destroyed by fires, you could be in luck.

On Tuesday (February 11), Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh announced the government's decision to provide much-needed funding to farmers across the state who have fallen on hard times due to natural disasters.

Mr Walsh explained the government will be working alongside the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) to arrange and deliver emergency fodder to those who are most in need.

"The Victorian Coalition Government has a long-standing agreement with the VFF to fund the cost of fodder coordination and distribution in the event of fires or other emergencies," he said.

Those farmers who have been affected by fires in north Melbourne, including around Shepparton and Gippsland, are expected to be the main beneficiaries of this long-standing agreement.

Peter Tuohey, president of the VFF, said his organisation is currently looking for donations of fodder and hopes to get them on the ground "as quickly as possible".

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) is sending its "animal health teams" around north Melbourne to assess how the fires have affected livestock and offer assistance where they can.

"Our field crews are providing animal welfare support to stock owners, collecting details of loss and damage and liaising with other government agencies to ensure affected landowners received rapid support," announced Mr Walsh.

While fire-damage may have a significant impact on your farm, it doesn't have to be the end of the world. A comprehensive farm insurance policy that includes cover for fires and other natural disasters could help you get your business up and running again in next to no time.

Elders Insurance has many years of experience helping farmers to organise farm and crop insurance - so get in touch with us today and find out what we can do for you!