Taking trucks off local roads doesn't just get more Victorian products to the export market - it delivers significant environmental, economic and safety benefits, with rail freight producing three times less carbon pollution than road freight, and fewer trucks on the road means driving improved road safety outcomes right across the state.

Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne said they primary produce sector was thriving - and with freight volumes set to keep increasing in the coming years, it was vital to get more freight on rail and take trucks off local roads.

"The Mode Shift Incentive Scheme is helping farmers right across Victoria get their produce to market, backing local jobs and making country roads safer - we're proud to keep supporting this vital program," she said.

The Government also invested $83 million in funding into Victoria's regional rail freight network during the pandemic, supporting the shift from road to rail freight by delivering critical upgrades and creating vital local jobs.