Funding is now available to all NSW orchardists to install netting to protect their crops from flying foxes.

The Flying Fox Netting Program was previously only available to growers in the Sydney Basin and Central Coast regions, but has been extended to all NSW growers experiencing damage form flying foxes.

NSW Farmers spokesperson, Peter Comensoli said it was welcome news to orchardists whose fruit has been damaged by flying foxes.

“The announcement means that for the first timer orchardists from outside the Sydney Basin and Central Coast will be able to invest in orchard netting which is the most human method of protecting their fruit crops.”

“Changes which mean farmers can no receive the subsidy for investing in throw over netting is a common sense outcome which will see the benefits of the scheme spread further and faster, protecting more orchards and resulting in better outcomes for flying fox welfare,” Mr Comensoli said.

Environment Minister, Rob Stokes said “The Office of Environment and Heritage has been working closely with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to find practical solution to help farmers reduce crop losses.”

“The installation of flying-fox exclusion netting for orchardists eliminates the need to issue shooting licenses for flying foxes, where netting has been installed.”

Member for Orange, Andrew Gee said increasing numbers of flying foxes have caused extensive damage to fruit crops.

Over $4 million in funding is now available to throw netting and fully secured netting, allowing anyone in NSW to apply for a subsidy of fifty per cent, up to a maximum of $20,000 per hectare.

Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson said the extension is great news for the state's fruit growing regions, particularly at Young, Orange, Bathurst and Tumut.

“This is a funds limited program, so I strongly encourage interested fruit growers to get in touch with the Rural Assistance Authority as soon as possible,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

Source - http://www.westernmagazine.com.au/