FRUIT growers will be better placed to supply demand from cider with a $1 million injection to the Flying Fox Netting Program.
But growers have warned the funds won't spread far.
The netting subsidy, initially designed to protect orchards in the Sydney Basin, was extended to cover all of NSW in mid-2013 and has since received great uptake in the south west, central west and north coast regions.
NSW Farmers' Horticulture Chair Brett Guthrey lauded the cash boost, but warned much more would be needed.
"While we are pleased a further $1 million has been committed to ensure the continuation of the scheme, the demand since the scheme's extension in late 2014 indicates that this will not last long.
"Growers would like to see longer term commitment from government to ensure the success of the horticulture industry and the flying fox netting program is maintained.
"The scheme's extension to date has been relying on funds originally committed for Sydney Basin growers.
"It's important for government to consider this factor when evaluating the effectiveness of the scheme and granting further funding.
The government's continued support for the flying fox netting scheme was a condition of the memorandum of understanding signed with NSW Famers' in March.
An initial $5 million was provided for the program, which meets half the cost of installing netting for eligible properties, capped at $20,000 per hectare.
NSW Primary Industries minister Niall Blair, who announced the funding in Bilpin alongside Environment minister Mark Speakman, said the nets had proved popular.
"One of the beneficiaries, the state's cider industry is expected to grow by 20 per cent over the next five years," Mr Blair said.
Mr Speakman said both throw-over netting and fully-secured netting balanced an ecological need to protect the native Grey-headed flying fox with the need to protect crops.
