Energy Efficiency Grants
Gippsland food and fibre businesses are encouraged to explore opportunities to save on their energy costs and reduce their emissions on-farm, via a Victorian Government grant program supporting investments in more energy efficient technology.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas has this week visited Meredith Dairy in western Victoria, one of several businesses already benefitting from the Agriculture Energy Investment Plan (AEIP).
“Energy is a significant cost for many farmers – we are working to put money back in farmers pockets by supporting them to improve energy efficiency on-farm and take action on climate change.”
The AEIP offers grants up to $250,000 to install infrastructure and technology that will make farms more competitive and protect local jobs.
Under the AEIP, family-run business Meredith Dairy received a $250,000 grant to support its investment in a biomass energy unit, a solar power system and cool room upgrade.
The project is expected to generate over $94,000 in on-farm energy savings each year, which is almost a third of the business’s on-farm energy costs.
In addition to grant funding, the AEIP supports farm businesses to better understand their on-farm energy usage and how to reduce it.
This includes free on-farm energy assessments to assist farmers in identifying how they can improve energy efficiency and productivity, as well as research partnerships, demonstrations of energy-efficient technology on-farm, and educational resources for producers on alternative energy options.
One of Food & Fibre Gippsland’s strategic industry partner members, Leading Edge Energy can be a valuable additional support to the AEIP program by working with businesses to ensure they are getting the best rates from energy suppliers - a service that comes at no cost to the business!
Under the AEIP, 546 grants totalling $29 million have been awarded so far and almost 1,370 on-farm energy assessments have been completed, valued at $12 million.
The Government is protecting and strengthening the future of agriculture through the 10-year Agriculture Strategy, building a more resilient, energy efficient and internationally competitive sector that is well-placed to respond to climate change.
This program is one of the many ways the Victorian Government is leading the way in providing a clear path forward for farmers to prepare for and respond to climate change.
For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au
