Agriculture unaffected in Vic lockdown

Victorian farmers will be allowed to continue with their important work of feeding and clothing the nation as Premier Daniel Andrews has today deemed the agricultural sector ‘essential’ in light of harsher lockdown measures introduced across the state to stop the spread of COVID-19.

On Monday, August 3, Premier Andrews announced a series of unprecedented restrictions that will affect a number of businesses right across the economy and state; from retail to manufacturing to construction.

However, agriculture has remained largely unscathed, except for certain agricultural retail businesses that will have to move to a drive-through and contactless model. While most dealerships have remained open for business when COVID-19 hit, they have largely encouraged customers to call where possible to prevent unnecessary foot traffic in premises.

The lockdown exemption means those working in agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, irrigation, permaculture, apiculture, grains, fibre production, dairy, fishing, aquaculture and livestock can continue to do so with no further restrictions imposed.

Farmers needing machinery parts, servicing and support will also be able to continue receiving them from their dealers during the lockdown.

The associated transport, freight and logistics sectors required to support the distribution of essential goods remain unaffected as well.

Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) President, David Jochinke, said the organisation has been in emergency talks with the Government to ensure the farm sector remains largely ‘open for business’ and is pleased with the exemption granted.

“The VFF developed a detailed COVID-19 action plan for our industry which resulted in $410 million in additional Australian and Victorian Government expenditure which has enabled the agriculture industry to continue to operate,” he said.

Jochinke emphasised the importance of businesses implementing a COVID Safe plan to ensure the sector can remain open.

“Our clear guidance to farmers is to be extra vigilant as COVID-19 reaches our doorstep,” he said.

“We must implement the best protective measures for our businesses and our workers: face coverings or visors for employees, ceasing communal gatherings, installing screens/curtains, furloughing of staff, physical distancing, cleaning and disinfection measures and insisting on personal hygiene and use of sanitizers, minimizing the number of people coming onto your farm.”

Jochinke added the agriculture sector has the potential to be a major contributor to Victoria’s economic recovery.

“While this will be inconvenient, if we get it right and we do the hard yards, then it will only be for a few weeks and our businesses will continue to operate,” Jochinke said.

“Victoria is Australia’s food bowl. We are Australia’s largest producer of food and fibre and the nation’s largest exporter.

“We all know how important small business is to our economy. I don’t think Victorians realise that agribusiness together with forestry and fishing is the highest value add, employs the highest number of people and ranks number five by dollar value in Victoria.”