Victorian Government funding to help farmers sell products online

By Rodney Woods

Aug 24, 2020

Victorian farmers and producers will be helped to expand their customer base by facilitating online markets and building business resilience and skills.

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Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes announced the $1.5 million E-Commerce and New Marketplace Transition Package, part of the Agriculture Workforce Plan, which is helping the agriculture sector through the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

Online farmers’ markets or marketplaces primarily selling Victorian agricultural produce will be able to apply for grants to help new and existing producers with the cost of onboarding, online marketing and registration fees.

Marketplaces can also apply for funding to help cover the costs of freight and logistics, reducing delivery fees for consumers buying Victorian fresh food and goods online.

A training program will also be provided to help farmers and producers with their e-commerce skills, supporting them to implement an effective e-commerce strategy as part of their ongoing operations.

“Staying at home should be no barrier to enjoying fantastic Victorian produce like cheese, wine and small goods, through our vibrant online marketplace community,” Ms Symes said.

Key online marketplaces that sell Victorian produce and agricultural products will be contacted directly by Agriculture Victoria about the package, to make sure they know what help is available.

Businesses can find out more about the funding and other support available through the Agriculture Workforce Plan by visiting: agriculture.vic.gov.au/agworkforceplan

By Rodney Woods

Sports journalist