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Cutting into the $4.8bn loss from agricultural pests
Staff Writers
A new program is targeting the $4.8bn of lost agriculture output by equipping rural communities with the skills to manage destructive pest animals and weeds during long seasons of drought.
The Communities Combating Pest and Weed Impacts During Drought Program funds projects which combat pest species and weeds in production losses and control activities in rural areas to substantially reduce the economic impacts of these agricultural pests.
As part of their involvement with the program, farmers will be given the resources to control agricultural pests such as wild rabbits and dogs as well as feral pigs.
In Round 1 of the Program, $15m was delivered across 2018 - 2019 to build wild dog exclusion fences as well as funding that improved pest and weed management facilities in drought-affected areas.
Round 2 of the program will see 33 local councils individually or part of a consortium share in $10m.
The program will also help farmers manage detrimental weeds such as the prickly acacia, African boxthorn, and serrated tussock.
“Managing pests and weeds is a significant cost at the best of times for farmers and even more of an impost for those in the grips of the drought” said Minister for Agriculture, Drought, and Emergency Management David Littleproud.
“The capacity of these farmers to manage pests and weeds during drought is significantly reduced because they are dealing with other challenges such as feeding livestock and keeping their farm businesses running”.
According to Littleproud, “The Australian Government set up the Communities Combating Pest and Weed Impacts During Drought Program to ensure our drought-hit regions have the resources to manages these scourges at a time when they are least able to do so during drought”.
“This funding is used by local councils to support farmers and land managers, to reduce the impacts of pest animals and weeds on agriculture and the local environment and to stimulate local economies and employment”.
All Round 2 projects are expected to be completed by December 2021.
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