Victorian farmers affected by drought and dry seasonal conditions are encouraged to apply for the Andrews Labor Government’s new grants programs offering on-farm assistance and household financial relief.
The $15 million Farmers’ Drought Fund is part of the Labor Government’s $31 million support package announced in October, helping farming businesses and families to alleviate some of the immediate burden while supporting farmers to make investments in the long term.
The $12 million On-Farm Drought Resilience Grants program will help eligible farm businesses invest in on-farm drought preparedness or business advice, with up to $5000 available per business.
The program provides similar benefits to the Government’s previous drought support measures which were taken up by almost 5,000 farmers to assist with infrastructure.
Farming families in need will be supported with $3 million in household financial relief, with the Country Women’s Association of Victoria to deliver up to $3000 per family through its CWA Drought Relief Program.
The drought resilience and drought relief programs are available to farmers in the Wellington and East Gippsland shires, dryland farmers in the Millewa region and irrigation farmers in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District of northern Victoria.
Eligible farmers who have received grants under the Labor Government’s previous drought support measures are welcome to apply for further support to extend their drought infrastructure or assist in business planning.
For further information on available support and assistance and to apply, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes
“We’ve listened to drought-affected farmers and these grants reflect their need for both immediate relief and long-term investment.”
“On-farm drought resilience grants have been incredibly popular elements of our drought support, and we want to make sure everyone who is eligible can access the grants.”
“I encourage any farming family or business doing it tough through dry conditions to get in touch with Agriculture Victoria and find out what support is available to them.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020