Money for jam push

By MARA PATTISON-SOWDEN
FARM gate sales could become a reality for struggling Yarra Ranges’ farmers as the council pushes the state government for a timeline on changes to green wedge laws.
Councillors have been advocating for months for modifications to the Victorian Planning Provisions to allow the limited sale of produce such as jams or chutneys at the farm gate.
They say it’s a great way to help the farmers, with a flow-on affect across the community and tourism opportunities, and bring a level playing field between wine growers and other farmers.
Currently farmers cannot sell produce such as jams or chutneys from their farm gate under green wedge laws, which only allow them to sell the raw products such as fruit or vegetables.
At the Tuesday 12 June council meeting, councillors resolved to support a modified definition of “primary produce sales” to allow for the sale of unprocessed or processed primary produce grown on the land.
They also want clarification from the Planning Minister on how long it would take to make the changes, what steps were involved and how the council could help work with the minister to make the changes a reality.
Councillor Samantha Dunn said they were seeking to provide a simple solution for the government to change the “ridiculous” planning law that restricts farmers from being more sustainable.
“These issues we’ve advocated for a long time, and I’m pleased to see we’re still at it,” she said.
“I hope the minister sees it as a wonderful way forward to help our primary producers.
“It would be nice to have a level playing field between the wine growers and other farmers.”
Cr Tim Heenan said he hoped there weren’t too many hurdles for farmers before they could take full advantage on their own properties.
Cr Richard Higgins said it was “not just a jar of jam but about the flow on affect across the community”.