Media Release – The Hon. David Littleproud MP Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources
Making smart farming ideas a reality
14 November 2018
- More than $9 million is available under Round two of Smart Farms Small Grants.
- Grants of between $5,000 and $200,000 to assist farmers and groups to adapt to change, innovate and become more sustainable.
- Part of the National Landcare Program’s $134 million Smart Farms Program.
Landholders and community groups can now apply for up to $200,000 under round 2 of Smart Farms Small Grants.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud encouraged Landcare groups, NRM bodies, Indigenous organisations and community groups to throw their hat in the ring.
“The future of Aussie agriculture relies on sustainable farming and land management practices,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Our farmers are looking for new practices and tools to stay sustainable and profitable.
“These grants support new projects to improve Aussie soil, biodiversity and vegetation.
“They will also help support water security and promote climate-smart farming.
“Ultimately, this leads to more profitable agriculture, fishing and forestry industries.
“I know there’s exceptional ideas out there, and these grants can make them a reality.
“The first round of funding was highly competitive, attracting over 800 applications.
“I strongly encourage those who missed out in Round 1 to apply again.”
More information is available online. Visit the Community Grants Hub to apply.
Fast facts:
- Smart Farms Small Grants is a competitive grant funding opportunity.
- It supports projects to increase farming, forestry and fishing communities’ knowledge and capacity to adopt sustainable agricultural best practice.
- Almost $5 million in funding was awarded to 77 projects under Round 1.
- More than $9 million is available for Round 2.
- The National Landcare Program’s 2nd phase is investing more than $1 billion over six years to 2023, with $134 million for the Smart Farms Program.
Any members who are interested in “Smart Farms Small Grants” can source additional information via the following link.
https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/national-landcare-program-smart-farms-small-grants-0
Les Elphinstone
Manager KCGO