Sharman Stone welcomes SPC deal

Federal Liberal MP Sharman Stone says the Victorian government's $22 million lifeline to fruit processor SPC Ardmona demonstrates the power of the people, not government.

Dr Stone on Thursday welcomed the state's deal to keep the Goulburn Valley fruit canner going, as part of a $100 million co-investment.

The deal ensures the survival of the last fruit processer in Australia and will mean growers won't be forced to bulldoze down their orchards, said Dr Stone, who represents the region.

"We can turn off the bulldozers today, we can get back to the business of growing the best fruit for processing in the world," she told reporters in Canberra.

Public support has been a critical factor after the "tragic" cabinet decision to reject a combined $50 million state and federal government assistance, she said.

Consumers have been flocking to supermarkets in support of SPC in recent weeks, rejecting cheaper imports.

"After the failure of the federal government (to provide support) the fact that the public responded in that way makes up the difference," she said.

But Dr Stone said the federal government's job was unfinished, with more efforts needed towards anti-dumping laws and emergency safeguard regulation and food labelling.