On-Farm Productivity Improvement Grants

Welcome to part one of a series of articles on grants that are available for drought assistance.

The first grant is: On-Farm Productivity Improvement Grants from Rural Finance.

Mayor of Strathbogie Shire Council, Gregory Carlson would like to reinforce, "Once again do not self assess as the conditions are continually changing and being updated. Even if you were not eligible before it may be that you are now. Assistance is available so make sure you seek independent advice."

Purpose: To provide on farm productivity grants that will assist in the management of drought.

A grant of up to $3,000 per farm business to assist farmers in regions most affected by drought to implement on-farm infrastructure improvements which will enable drought proofing and to assist future on-farm productivity gains.

Grants will be available to implement on farm productivity improvements excluding irrigation infrastructure. The grants will fund half of the total cost up to a maximum grant of $3,000. GST will be excluded for any grant payment.

Farm businesses are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:

The farm property must be either located in the 20 municipalities in northern Victoria which have been most seriously impacted by the drought. Note: Strathbogie Shire is one of the 20 municipalities state-wide that is listed as most drought affected.
The owner must be operating a commercial business deriving the majority of income from that source and devoting the majority of his/her time to the business.
The farm business must meet the EC Interest Rate Subsidy off-farm asset test of below $750,000

Farmers would be able to use the grants to undertake infrastructure improvements such as:

Fodder storages and systems eg. Silos, silage bunkers, hay sheds
Reticulated water systems using water troughs for stock
Feedpads or feed troughs to minimize feed losses
Improvements in packing sheds or on-farm nurseries for seedlings.

The final date for lodging the On-Farm Productivity Grants is 30 June 2008.

If you would like more information or would like to speak to someone about eligibility criteria contact Caroline Harlow, Drought Coordinator on 0408 552 482, Rural Finance on 03 5448 2600 or www.ruralfinance.com.au or Centrelink Drought Assistance - 13 23 16.

For more information: Marli Kelly 0409 410 178 - 3 June 2008

For details/interview call the Editor on (03) 5798 1858