Victoria's volunteer firefighter numbers have grown despite threats from angry farmers to quit over the contentious Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF).

The Victorian government introduced the fund — which replaced the existing fire services levy — amid anger from regional Victorian farmers who said they are disproportionately impacted.

Farmers threatened to leave the volunteer service, with yellow Country Fire Authority (CFA) overalls draped across farm gates and fences across the state in protest.

But volunteer numbers are now stronger than they were 12 months ago.

There are currently 4,906 operational volunteers in western Victoria, an increase on the 4,712 registered at the same time last year.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the organisation saw a "slight dip"

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