Backing the heart of agriculture through grants

Victorian agricultural and pastoral societies will receive greater support from the Victorian Government to upgrade infrastructure and participate in regional shows. Minister for agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the opening of applications for this year’s Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program, helping organisations with projects that encourage community involvement and promote Victoria’s rich agriculture industry. The grants provide successful applicants with up to $10,000 to support infrastructure development and upgrades to celebrate Victoria’s agricultural communities, industries, and produce. Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said agricultural shows were an integral part of rural communities. "Especially during challenging times such as drought, they allow communities to come together,” Ms Spence said. “Events are also often used to support services and dedicated drought initiatives, as well as raising awareness on work that’s being done to support communities.” Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes encouraged groups to apply for the program. The grants can be used to upgrade or establish new facilities, enhance public amenities, improve essential infrastructure, improve business management activities and biosecurity planning, and to promote reporting of livestock movements. Local societies including the Euroa Agricultural Society and Seymour Agricultural and Pastoral Society have benefited from the program in the past; however the member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the grants were no longer enough to meet the needs of the volunteer-run events compared to the last two decades of inflation. She said agricultural shows were the lifeblood of regional and farming communities and accused the government of leaving ag shows 'out in the cold' as the funding had failed to keep pace with rising costs, remaining capped at $300,000 statewide with a maximum of $10,000 per show. “In real terms, this funding is going backwards,” Ms Cleeland said. “There’s less funding available now than in 2005, when the total was $320,000. "That’s 20 years of cost increases – for insurance, equipment, and infrastructure – with no meaningful boost in support.” “The Liberals and Nationals fought to keep this funding going through COVID, but it's clear the government sees it as a token gesture rather than a real investment in regional Victoria.” Agricultural and pastoral societies are community groups with a shared interest in agriculture, horticulture, or livestock. The government said, with over 100 societies across the state, the program played a significant role in regional Victoria’s calendar of events – building community spirit by celebrating agriculture in a fun, entertaining, educational, and inclusive environment. Applications for the latest round of grants close 12 September 2025. For more information or to apply, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/funds-grants-programs/agricultural-and-pastoral-society-grants

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