Agricultural field days affected by Covid-19 have been offered a one-off financial boost from the Federal Government.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the $2.7 million boost for agricultural show societies and agricultural field day organisers will ensure the field days can continue to showcase our region’s innovation in agriculture after the pandemic.

“Field days like Primex generate hundreds of jobs and inject millions into our local economy,” Mr Hogan said.

“The initiative is part of our Government’s $1 billion Covid-19 Relief and Recovery Fund, which is supporting regions, communities and industry sectors severely affected by the pandemic.”

“All agricultural shows and field days that have cancelled their event in 2020 because of COVID-19 will be eligible and they will not have to compete for assistance.”

Field Days could be eligible to claim reimbursement costs including bank fees, utilities, rates, insurance, fire alarms and equipment, cleaning supplies, telecommunications, IT system licensing costs, website costs, state/national show body affiliation fees and rent.

“Our agricultural field days are uniquely Australian and provide huge economic spin-offs for the town hosting them, as well as opportunities for the businesses and services who exhibit,” Mr Hogan said.

“They are truly local events, with local sport clubs, men’s sheds and emergency services often providing services such as set-up and car parking.”

Mr Hogan said this announcement is in addition to the $36.3 million previously announced to support agricultural show societies.

For more information, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/infrastructure/supporting-ag-shows.