Boost for macedon ranges small-scale and craft producers

Seven agribusinesses in the Macedon Ranges have received grants through the Andrews Labor Government’s Small-Scale and Craft Program to support business growth, create jobs and attract more visitors to enjoy our locally made food, beer and spirits.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, today visited Animus Distillery and Piper Street Food Company in Kyneton to celebrate the announcement.

Grants of up to $25,000 have been awarded and will be used to assist businesses in scaling up, expand their operations and diversify their products.

Animus Distillery will use their grant to support their increasing production and the development of two new gins, while Piper Street Food Company will use their grant to purchase a display fridge and freezer, allowing them to increase their product range and reduce waste.

Other successful recipients in the region are involved in a variety of small-scale and craft agribusinesses, including Dreaming Goat Dairy, Hand to Ground, Big Tree Distillery, Olive’s Olive and Wondermazing Honeybees.

The Macedon Ranges is renowned for its high-quality premium produce and the Andrews Labor Government is proud to support agricultural businesses that not only provide unique specialty produce, but create jobs, boost tourism and make regional communities vibrant destinations to live and visit.

A total of 131 agribusinesses across the state have been awarded a Small-Scale and Craft Program Stream One grant as part of the $10.2 million program.

The Small-Scale and Craft Program delivers on the Andrews Labor Government’s 2018 election commitment to support small-scale food, beer and spirit producers from around the state to increase production and promote their unique local produce.

To find out more about the program, visit http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"Our Macedon Ranges small-scale enterprises bring an abundance of premium produce to the marketplace, and they also help to create jobs and make our region vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike."

"We are very proud of our family-run small artisanal producers in the Macedon Ranges, and I am thrilled to see them supported through this fantastic program."