FARMERS and communities in North East Victoria can benefit from a new $200 million Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) said the new funding will be established following the successful passage of the Port of Melbourne lease legislation through the Parliament. It aims to support investment in agricultural infrastructure and supply chains to boost productivity, increase exports and reduce costs so farmers, businesses and industries can strive in the global market. Eligible applicants will include farm businesses, industry and agribusiness organisations, asset owners such as water authorities and local government. Agriculture and farming families sit at the heart of rural and regional Victoria, with the food and fibre industry contributing more than $11 billion to the economy and employing more than 87,000 people.