Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said farmers and regional Victoria are big winners from the Victorian Budget, but a number of big ticket items were left off the wish list.
Mr Jochinke highlighted support for Victoria's agricultural exporters and funding to address regional telecommunications blackspots as key takeaways from the Budget.
"We are pleased to see significant investment in research and skills through the $2 billion Breakthrough Victoria Fund and the Agricultural College Modernisation Program," Mr Jochinke said.
"It's vital we educate and equip the next generation of farmers with the skills and opportunities to support our growing agricultural industry."
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The 10-year commitment will deliver a pipeline of more than 15,700 jobs, driving research, innovation and growth in health and life sciences, agri-food, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and digital technologies.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the best and brightest minds belong in Victoria and the $2 billion investment will cement that position.
"This will keep us at the cutting edge of technology, treatment and innovation," Mr Andrews said.
While agriculture investment was welcomed by Mr Jochinke, he is disappointed major rail projects required to transport produce from paddock to port continue to be neglected.
"At a time when regional Victoria is crying out for investment to help lift us out of recession, the fact is billions are being spent on metropolitan rail projects," he said.
"We hope the Victorian government finds the cash to assist farmers to invest in drought proofing water infrastructure."
An investment of $300 million to address regional telecommunication blackspots in populated areas is a step in the right direction for regional Victoria, according to Mr Jochinke.
"The next step will be to expand this investment statewide to ensure universal access to critical telecommunication and infrastructure capable of delivering for regional Victorians," he said.
A $250 million investment to co-fund business-grade broadband connectivity for regional communities through the Gigabit State program was included in the Budget.
This investment will improve the availability of high-speed fibre optic and wireless broadband services for regional businesses, while supporting 2000 jobs.
Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes said the Budget delivers on things that are most important to regional Victorians.
"We are a government that wants to make regional Victoria stronger than ever before and an even greater place to live, work and visit," Ms Symes said.
Mr Andrews and Treasurer Tim Pallas delivered the 2020/21 Victorian Budget on Tuesday with a focus on jobs and training, transport projects, education investment and health spending.
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