THE Federal Government last week announced three projects aimed at creating new jobs through the Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). Regional Development Minister Simon Crean said $300,000 would be provided for a Derwent Valley soft fruit processing facility that would generate 170 jobs and open up new opportunities for product diversification and innovation in the growing berry industry.
“Tasmania has great potential and we’ve got to realise it. The aim of the IGA is to provide a sustainable forest products industry and a more diversified economy,” Mr Crean said. Premier Lara Giddings said the funding for the fruit processing project in the Derwent Valley would open up new opportunities for product diversification and innovation in the growing berry industry.
Fruit Growers Tasmania business development manager Lucy Gregg said the facility would help the industry capture a more diverse market share. “It has long been recognised that the Tasmanian climate provides the perfect environment to grow full-flavoured berries and this is now being reflected in the expansion of the industry,” Ms Gregg said. The project would secure 20 full-time on farm and production jobs, as well as 150 seasonal positions.
Tasmanian Greens Lyons MHA Tim Morris said the funding for berry processing in the Derwent Valley was welcome recognition of the area’s huge growth potential as a producer of fine quality produce.
Cool, where do I apply?
ReplyDelete