Farmers and interested organisations in New England are encouraged to apply for a share of $23 million, with the Future Drought Fund’s Drought Resilient Soils and Landscapes Program now open.
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said the program is looking for projects that will show that existing land management practices being applied in New England can be effectively applied at scale.
“We’re looking for projects that provide trials and demonstrations farmers can learn and then apply on their own farms,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This is an opportunity for partnerships involving farmers and organisations such as the local Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, farming system groups, Rural Research and Development Corporation, and NRM regional bodies.”
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the competitive grants process will trial and demonstrate land management practices that support drought resilience.
“There are land management practices that can help farms manage during, and recover quicker after, drought. We want to help bring these practices into the mainstream,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Practices that maintain strong groundcover helps the soil absorb and hold more water for longer and protects it from erosion and weeds.”
“This is about making farms more resilient to drought, and support farms here in New England because we know every farm makes a big difference to Australian agriculture.”
The grants process is open until 11 January 2022. Grants of $500,000 to $1 million (GST exclusive) are available.
For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/
A webinar will be held on 14 December 2021 to provide information on the grants process and how to submit a grant application.
For more information about how to get involved visit the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website awe.gov.au or call 1800 900 090. Or register your interest on the Department’s Have Your Say website.