The announcement of $250,000 in funding will support the creation of 20 new jobs at Stahmann Farm Enterprises in Pallamallawa, the Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said. 

The funding was awarded as part of the Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program (MDBREDF) which funds economic projects in communities that are affected by the implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

Mr Coulton said the funding from the MDBREDF program will not only create new jobs, it will help to stimulate the economy at Pallamallawa and across the North West.
“It is important this Government continues to ensure support regional Australia and it is programs like this one that will help to make a difference.
“This funding will ensure a sustainable and economic method of using water to grow produce of great value.”
Mr Coulton was accompanied at the funding proclamation by the Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, who said Stahmann Farm will use the funding to improve the production of high value pecan nuts and create new employment opportunities in the region. 
“Not only will Stahmann Farm be able to expand its current drip irrigation system we’ll see 20 extra people employed once this project is complete,” Mr Marshall said. 
“This significant funding will enable Stahmann Farms to bring forward the completion of planting of new nut producing trees a full year ahead of schedule.  
“This is a fantastic result for Stahmann Farm and our community,” he said. 
Stahmann Farms was established in the 1960s and has more than 90,000 trees, supplying Australia with 95 per cent of its pecan consumption.
Chief Executive Officer at Stahmann Farms Ross Burling said the business has the confidence to expand their orchard and the funding will help them reach their goals.
“We sell over 2,000 tonnes of product domestically and internationally each year, so ensuring our trees are well irrigated is essential to our success,” Mr Burling said.
“This funding will support the irrigation of another 300 hectares of land, helping us expand the business, increase sales and create new jobs in our organisation.
“We’re very thankful for the funding and support provided and we continue to be excited about the future for our people and our business,” Mr Burling said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the funding will help build more resilient and diversified regional economies. 
“Today’s announcement means Stahmann Farms will be able to increase production using modern irrigation technologies and continue to create jobs in North West NSW,” he said.  
The Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program is funded by the Australian Government and facilitated by the NSW Government. 
The Program aims to diversify economies and create new jobs in the Murray Darling Basin.