Research indicates that netting delivers productivity benefits by:

• protecting crops from extreme weather and predators
• increasing water use efficiency.

Netting helps producers to:

• maintain fruit quality
• ensure continuity of supply
• manage production risks.

What is the Horticultural Netting Program Expansion?
The purpose of the expanded Horticultural Netting Program (the Program) is to provide funding to eligible horticultural enterprises (excluding wine grapes) for the purchase and installation of new netting over established production areas (a ‘project’).

This expanded Program builds upon the previous $4.67 million Commonwealth Government funded Program for the apple and pear industry, by providing an additional $11.22 million for horticultural enterprises, excluding wine grapes. The Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) has agreed to implement the expanded Program on the Commonwealth Government’s behalf.

About the Program
Grants are available for eligible horticulture enterprises operating in Victoria. The Program will provide for up to 50 per cent of eligible costs to purchase and commercially install new horticultural netting (fixed and demountable), to a maximum of $150,000 (ex GST). Applicants may also self-install, subject to some exclusions, such as wages and installation equipment.

The number and value of individual grants allocated by the Program will depend upon overall demand. If the Program is oversubscribed, funding will be allocated to successful applicants on a pro-rata basis (a proportion of the amount applied for).

Example: If the Program is oversubscribed by 20 per cent ($13.44 million total), each applicant will be offered 20 per cent less than their requested amount for example, under this scenario a $150,000 application will be offered $120,000.

Eligibility and guidelines
Applications can be submitted by eligible producers who have had netting already installed after 14 December 2021, and from eligible producers who seek to purchase and install netting before 30 May 2025.

All enquiries on the Program should be directed to:
Program Team
E: hort.netting@agriculture.vic.gov.au