The Brumby Labor Government is supporting the Australian Specialist Cheesemakers’ Association (ASCA) with funding of $15,000 announced tonight by the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad.
Ms Broad was a guest speaker at the ASCA’s annual awards dinner in Melbourne - the pinnacle of a series of cheese events including:
- The ASCA’s annual cheese show at Crown Casino in Melbourne tomorrow featuring more than 300 speciality cheeses; and
- An industry Technical Seminar providing advice for cheese makers by visiting UK cheese expert Bob Savage.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action by helping the Australian Specialist Cheesemakers’ Association develop and enhance the capabilities of the industry,” Ms Broad said.
“As well as supporting the awards dinner, the Brumby Labor Government grant will help Australia’s relatively small group of specialist cheese makers gain technical expertise and share knowledge in the highly specialised industry.”
Ms Broad said Australia has more than 70 specialist cheese manufacturers, 30 of whom were based in Victoria.
“Australia produces more than 50,000 tonnes of specialist cheeses and it is the fastest growing dairy sector,” Ms Broad said.
“The ASCA’s annual awards recognise the products and the industry, providing a valuable opportunity for cheese makers to promote their achievements and product credentials.”
The ASCA promotes handcrafted Australian specialist cheeses such as brie, blue vein and feta made from cow, goat, sheep and buffalo milk, and accesses technical advice for its members, most of who are in provincial Victoria.
Ms Broad said the Victorian Government funding was being provided through Regional Development Victoria’s Food industry for a Regionally Sustainable Tomorrow (FIRST) program.
“FIRST aims to build capability within regional Victoria's food industry to support competitiveness in domestic and international markets,” Ms Broad said.
“FIRST is part of Moving Forward, the Brumby Labor Government’s $502 million action plan to make provincial Victoria an even better place to live, work, invest and raise a family.”