Pushing for ag visas, water

‘‘The combination of ongoing extreme weather events and less than 40 per cent of apple and pear crops under net, ensures our priority with the new government is the establishment of a national netting program,’’ he said in a message to members.

‘‘APAL has been calling on federal and state candidates to support a national scheme to accelerate depreciation for both growers who do not currently have netting and for those who have already invested. For those who have already invested, grower feedback has been that ongoing reinvestment is a reality. In addition to accelerated depreciation, grants and accessibility to low interest loans will directly assist.’’

He said the body had received plenty of positive interest in the program.