- Minister for Agriculture
The Andrews Labor Government is backing Victoria’s small-scale and craft producers to grow – creating new jobs and attracting more visitors from interstate and overseas to enjoy our locally-made food, beer and spirits.
Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes today visited King River Brewing in Whitfield to launch the Labor Government’s $10 million Small-Scale and Craft Program, encouraging all small-scale producers across Victoria to apply.
Two streams of funding are available under the new program:
- Stream One – Small-scale and Craft Business Development: Grants up to $25,000 are available to eligible small-scale and craft producers for projects that support businesses to scale up, expand their operations and diversify their products – with applications closing on 6 December.
- Stream Two – Job Creation and Economic Development: Grants of $25,000-$200,000 will go to eligible small scale and craft agribusinesses for significant projects that will deliver benefits to the community and generate jobs. Projects involving multiple businesses are particularly encouraged to apply, with Expressions of Interest, which close on 31 December.
King River Brewing is a family-owned craft brewery based in the King Valley that produce small batch and preservative-free boutique beer. It has an onsite taproom giving visitors an opportunity to taste the range of beers available as well as serving up wood-fired pizzas.
The brewery produces a range of beer styles, ranging from light and easy drinking Kolsch and Pale Ale to more complex styles like Belgian Tripel and Doppelbock. The brewery is also known for its seasonal beers such as the Fig Porter that often sell out within weeks.
This new program follows on from the successful Artisanal Sector Program, which delivered grants to businesses in Victoria’s highly valued and diverse artisanal produce sector, helping them grow production, enhance their farmers’ market potential and take their local produce to the world.
King River Brewing was one of 248 recipients in the Artisanal Sector Program, receiving $5,000 to enclose the brewery and install a climate control system, in order to enable year-round manufacturing of their beers.
Victoria is renowned for its premium produce and the Government is proud to support agricultural businesses that not only provide unique specialty produce, but create jobs, attract tourism and ensure regional communities are vibrant destinations to live and visit.
To find out more about the program, eligibility requirements and to apply, visit .
As noted by Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes
“Victoria’s small-scale and craft producers have enormous potential to take the state’s phenomenal produce to the world – we’re backing their expansions, job creation and new products.”
“If you’re one of Victoria’s unique, small-scale food, craft beer or spirit producers, I encourage you to apply for a grant – and if you’re a Victorian who loves good food and drink, get out and support our stellar local producers.”
