Victorian farmers have received over $1 million worth of grants for on-farm improvements to assist in the management of drought, Minister for Agriculture, Joe Helper said today.
Mr Helper said 368 farming businesses had successfully applied for the grants, while a further 500 were on track for approval, which would take the total value of the grants to $2.4 million.
Farmers are able to use the grants to fund infrastructure improvement projects such as:
· Fodder storages and systems;
· Reticulated water systems using water troughs for stock;
· Feedpads or feed troughs to minimise feed losses; and
· Improvements in packing sheds or on-farm nurseries for seedlings
The On-Farm Productivity Grants are one of 18 drought initiatives, worth more than $100 million, announced by the Brumby Government in October 2007.
“Reaching $1 million in on-farm grants is a great milestone, and shows our commitment to providing assistance to farmers who are struggling with the current drought,” Mr Helper said.
Minister Helper made today’s announcement at the Rural Financial Counsellors Conference in Ballarat where he acknowledged the support and assistance provided by the counsellors to farming families during drought.
“With additional Brumby Government funding and Commonwealth initiatives there are now 38 rural financial counsellors employed across Victoria,” he said.
“Victorian Rural Financial Counsellors have serviced more than 3,500 clients since July 2006, which is close to 10 per cent of all Victorian farmers.”
Rural Financial Counsellors play a vital role in assisting farmers and small rural businesses with:
· Structural adjustment issues in agriculture;
· Assisting with cash flow budgets, and bank and financial negotiations;
· Support with business and Interest Rate/EC grant application processes, and advice and support for local community drought activities;
· One-to-one support for farming families under financial and emotional stress; and
· Advice and support for local community development initiatives.
For more information on services supporting Victoria’s drought-affected communities contact the Victorian Drought Information Line on 136 186 or Victorian Drought Personal Support Line on
1300 655 969.