The state government's $50 million Agriculture Workforce Plan doesn't explain how jobs will benefit the agriculture, food processing and critical food supply chain, according to Nationals leader Peter Walsh.
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The plan is part of the $500 million Working for Victoria Fund, which helps people who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic find new opportunities.
Funds will be put towards job creation projects for five Catchment Management Authorities.
Mr Walsh said there's serious questions to be asked about how funding jobs at CMAs fulfils the terms the government has set out.
"Serious questions must be asked of Labor's bizarre move to shift the goal posts away from direct workforce support for our food producers and food supply chain businesses at a time when we're relying on them to meet growing demand," Mr Walsh said.
The plan offers financial support for worker relocation and transport for eligible businesses, worker re-training and business adaptation.
Eligible businesses include horticulture, dairy, meat, food production, manufacturing, transport and logistics services.
Mr Walsh said CMAs receive recurrent state government funding from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, not Agriculture Victoria.
"The Agriculture Minister is clearly out of ideas and desperate for something to show for her failed Agriculture Workforce Plan," he said.
Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes said projects that will benefit several agricultural industries have been funded.
"Job creation is crucial to keeping the Victorian economy moving as we gradually ease coronavirus restrictions and we know how important it is to keep jobs in regional Victoria," Ms Symes said.
In the Mallee CMA, a project will be delivered to aid weed and pest animal control.
Mr Walsh said the government plan includes an education program in schools.
"Investing in innovation, research and development projects that improve the productivity and profitability of our farmers will be critical as our state's population grows," Mr Walsh said.
The Agriculture Workplace Plan aims to match local people to local jobs, using the Working for Victoria platform.
To register your business, visit vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria
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