Sally Brennan, Labor candidate for Eildon

The Yarra Valley’s small-scale agribus-iness will create jobs and attract more visitors, if a Labor State Government is re-elected, according to candidate Sally Brennan.
Labor has a plan to establish a $10 million grant fund for small-scale agribusiness that produce craft food, beer and spirits to help them achieve even greater things on the world stage.
The plan was announced by Ms Brennan with State Agriculture Miniser Jaala Pulford, at Healesville on Wed-nesday (Nov. 7).
Across Victoria there are thousands of small businesses making and growing some of the world’s best produce – from craft beer to cheese and distilling industries.
Grants of up to $200,000 will be available to producers who can show that the investment will help them scale up their operations and create new, local jobs.
Ms Pulford said Victoria is the epi-centre of the craft beer revolution in Australia, with Yarra Valley breweries such as Hargreaves Hill, Coldstream, Watts River and Napoleone taking on the nation and beyond.
“We want to support Yarra Valley craft businesses and help them take their products and expertise to the world – supporting the region’s economy and creating more local jobs,” Ms Brennan said.
“Last year, this industry employed more 6000 people, invested $32.5 million in capital expenditure and generated $229 million in economic activity.”
Around 65 per cent of all craft brewers in Australia are located in regional and rural areas, showing just how important these businesses are to local economies.
“This will create new jobs and new opportunities for local businesses in the Yarra Valley, as well as helping our amazing local small producers live their dreams,” said Ms Pulford.
“Consumers here at home and around the world want the Yarra Valley’s amazing craft products – it’s why we’re helping local small businesses deliver this on an even bigger scale,” Ms Brennan said.