Banana producers impacted by last weekend’s storms can now apply for disaster recovery assistance.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner said some plantations at Innisfail sustained damage ranging from minor to severe.
“Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) staff have spoken to impacted growers, inspected crops and report that around 25 growers have suffered at least some damage from the winds which reached 90 kilometres per hour,” Mr Furner said.
“Most growers experienced minor damage, but a small number suffered significant damage to their current crop which will take at least 8-10 months to get back to full production.
“Primary producers affected by a natural disaster can apply for an Individual Disaster Stricken Property (IDSP) declaration.
“An IDSP gives access to freight subsidies up to $5,000 from DAF, and Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) Disaster Assistance loans of up to $250,000 available at a concessional interest rate.
“While this assistance won’t make up for the loss of income, these measures will help with repairs.”
/who-office-at-the-united-nations-(wun)/un-sc-dg.tmb-768v.jpg?sfvrsn=6720f3fc_1)
