Farm businesses are encouraged to develop contingency plans so they are prepared should their workforce and/or business become impacted by the coronavirus.
All agricultural businesses should account for the safety and welfare of staff and animals in their contingency planning and decision making.
Advice for animal owners in light of Covid-19 is available on the Agriculture Victoria website: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farm-management/covid-19
A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture said that the Victorian Government was monitoring the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the state’s agriculture sector, and was working closely with the Commonwealth Government on the matter.
“The Victorian Government will ensure farms and agribusinesses keep operating to keep the supermarkets stocked and food on tables,” the spokesperson said.
“The government is monitoring the impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and is working with the Commonwealth Government to understand and manage the impacts.”
Businesses across the state – including those in the ag sector – can now access information on dealing with Covid-19 by calling the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15. This hotline will provide the latest information on the response to coronavirus and how this affects businesses, including how to access financial support available through the state and national stimulus packages.
The Victorian Government has established a Working for Victoria Fund as part of the $1.7 billion Economic Survival Package to assist people who have lost their jobs find new opportunities, including work cleaning public infrastructure or delivering food. Some displaced workers will have skills that can be readily transferred to new roles.
The government can also assist skills development or help people in obtaining immediate accreditation to commence work. Businesses that need workers can get in touch at business.vic.gov.au.
“We’ll continue to work together with industries across the state to understand their needs and help slow the spread of coronavirus in our community and protect our most vulnerable,” the spokesperson said.
“If you or any workers display symptoms of coronavirus or have been in contact with a person known to have coronavirus, the message is clear – stay at home.”
For more information about coronavirus (Covid-19), visit the Department of Health and Human Services website: dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
