Applications for the final round of grants, under the Victorian Farmers Federation Farmers Fund, have opened.
VFF president David Jochinke said dairy farmers, in particular, were being strongly encouraged to apply for the grants, of up to $10,000, before the two-year partnership with Coles draws to a close on October 29.
Mr Jochinke said the latest and final round of grant allocations would allow dairy farmers to invest in projects to improve and assist their operations.
Priority would be given to initiatives demonstrating a clear and measurable benefit in promoting resilience and relief from the impacts of drought and extremely dry conditions.
“The VFF is keenly aware many farmers are currently contending with the hardships presented by drought and near-drought conditions in parts of Victoria,” Mr Jochinke said.
“The current and final round of Farmers’ Fund grants will prioritise projects which encourage infrastructure development, resilience building, management planning and sustainability of the industry, particularly in the context of drought and drought-like conditions prevailing in parts of the state.”
The Farmers’ Fund agreement has been a two-year partnership between VFF, Farm Connect and Coles, instigated to deliver grants to dairy farmers in the southern milk pool.
The Farmers’ Fund has raised more than $2 million, including a $1 million donation from the Coles Nurture Fund.
More than 190 grants have been allocated, including to farmers recovering from the devastating fires in Victoria’s south west earlier this year.
“We are confident that this final round of Farmers’ Fund grants will continue to have a positive impact for dairy farmers and their communities, particularly those currently facing the challenges of drought and drought-like conditions in parts of the state,” said Mr Jochinke.
“With the Farmers’ Fund partnership now reaching its conclusion, the VFF will continue its advocacy efforts to advance the interests of all of our member farmers across the state.”
