Is the next big Smart Farms idea in New England?

24 Oct 2017

Farmers, fishers, community and industry groups in the New England can apply for grants of between $5,000 and $100,000 to assist them to protect and improve the condition of soil, vegetation and biodiversity as well as support agricultural systems to adapt to change.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has called for applications from local farmers and community and industry groups for the competitive $50 million over six years Smart Farms Small Grants program, through the National Landcare Program, which opens today.

 

“Our farmers know the importance of protecting and caring for the land so they are able to pass on productive and healthy farms to future generations,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“People in the New England value what the National Landcare Program has brought to the table since it started in 1989.

 

“Smart Farms Small Grants will provide grants of between $5,000 and $100,000 to develop and extend new tools, methods and technology for farmers to continue to be at the forefront of land management.”

 

Applications for Smart Farms Small Grants close 7 December, 2017.

 

Today’s small grants launch follows last week’s opening (October 19) of Smart Farming Partnerships Grants for funding between $250,000 and $4 million for New England groups and organisations.

 

These multi-year grants offer New England communities the opportunity to implement new and innovative sustainable land management practices.

 

“The Smart Farming Partnerships will support the development, trialling and implementation of next generation farming, forestry and fishing practices,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“These partnership grants will get behind large projects and assist the formation of relevant and effective partnerships between experienced and skilled organisations and individuals.

 

“I know that our farmers are innovators, and the government is supporting that innovative thinking to help local farmers continue to profitably farm smarter, not harder.”

 

Applications for Smart Farming Partnerships Grants close 21 December, 2017.

 

For more information on the grant and how to apply, visit: nrm.gov.au

 

(ENDS)

Send an Enquiry