Limestone Coast agricultural shows and field days organisers will be able to apply for Federal Government funding to access cash injections.

Round two of the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program will open on January 28.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the program was a way to give show societies a much-needed cash injection after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Agricultural shows and field days generate over $1b in sales for small businesses every year,” Mr Pasin said.

“For some communities and charities, agricultural shows or field days are the financial boost they need to get them through the year.

“Not only are they essential for business, agricultural shows and field days provide a way for people to show off their latest innovations and technology, increasing productivity and profitability for all involved in the agriculture sector.”

Applications for support under this second round of funding close on February 17.

Grants from $10,000 to $70,000 will be available for eligible show societies and field day organisations to help cover significant financial losses over the past two consecutive years due to events being cancelled because of COVID-19.

Applicants will be able to claim for eligible expenditure incurred for events cancelled in the period from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Mr Pasin said the support would go further than just dollars and cents.

“Economics aside, agricultural shows and field days are a great day out and provide the much-needed opportunity for communities to come together, catch up and support each other,” Mr Pasin said.

“These grants provide show societies and field day organisations with the confidence they need to go ahead and plan their events in 2022 and beyond.” Mr Pasin said.