The lingering threat of locust damage has seen concerns escalate for Riverland farmers in recent weeks.
While a locust preparedness package was announced last month, the state opposition say it only provides aerial spraying support for the Flinders, Pastoral and Mid North districts & not the Riverland.
Some producers locally have outlined current rebates offered fall short of the actual cost of applying chemicals, with others say producers are time-poor to undertake locust control activities.
Potential damage could be a significant blow, with farmers looking at one of the best crops in years following solid rainfall through the growing season.
While in the Riverland late last week, State opposition leader Aston Hurn said the Labor government can’t afford to drop the ball on this issue.
“Farmers are gearing up for a bumper season – hopefully the best in decades – and they’ve got this threat looming,” She said.
While recounting the 2010 locust plague that hit the Riverland region, local MP, Tim Whetstone said any loss of income for farmers flows through the whole region, and local farmers need the support now to make sure they can finish off the season.
