Community outreach funding

The VFF has received funding from The Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to fund community outreach events, such as local barbeques, to encourage communities to get together and discuss the recent floods and other farm conditions.

Grants are available to Branches and DC who wish to hold a community events with funds made available to pay for venue, food, drinks and other related expenses. Each grant is for $500, and there is a limit to the number of grants available so apply early.

To receive the funding, please complete the below application form and return to the VFF. The VFF will then forward the funding. After the event the below feedback form will have to be completed and returned to the VFF for our purposes.

You are encouraged to invite guest speakers on stress management, finance management or any other areas you this will help recovery after a challenging season. As DHS and Red Cross are instrumental in funding these events, they should be invited to the events and the VFF can assist in putting you in touch with the local representatives.

We also encourage you to work with other networks in your community, such as the CFA, Uniting care, etc. to ensure there is as much community benefit as possible provided through this funding.

VFF Branch event application form (71kb)

VFF Branch event feedback form (69kb)

For any questions please contact VFF Member Services on 1300 882 833.





Major new investment in research, development and practice change

To help farmers keep pace with 21st century ideas, technology and practices, the Victorian Government has increased funding for development of new generations of drought, cold and salt resistant wheat, barley and horticultural crops, and research into increasing productivity and reducing animal disease and environmental impacts in the dairy and lamb industries. Other work will improve plant and animal disease control through better diagnostic tests and modern epidemiological tools.

Development of better landscape modelling tools will assist resource management and planning by farmers and governments, such as mapping catchment areas to understand the impact land use changes on water quality and availability. Development of the next generation of bio-fuels will benefit from production of novel feedstock genetics.

Visit the Department of Primary Industries website for more information: www.dpi.vic.gov.au.



Farm Ready

FarmReady offers two types of support, FarmReady Reimbursement Grants and FarmReady Industry Grants. Industry Grants of up to $80,000 are available to eligible industry, primary producer or natural resource management groups to develop skills and strategies in response to the impacts of climate change.

In addition, FarmReady Reimbursement Grants allow eligible participants to be able to claim up to $1500 per financial year to attend FarmReady approved courses, with additional funding available for associated reasonable travel, accommodation and childcare expenses. Approved courses will focus on areas designed to equip primary producers with the tools to manage and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

For more information about the FarmReady Reimbursement Grants and Industry Grants visit www.daff.gov.au/climatechange/australias-farming-future/farmready.



Farmers' Market Program

The objective of the Farmers' Markets initiative is to help develop Farmers' Markets across the State that can grow and operate as economically sustainable community events to bring clean, green, local produce direct from farmer to consumer.

Applicants may apply for assistance under one of three funding streams: Market plan; Start-up markets; and, expanding markets. Further information about funding for Farmers' Markets can be found at: www.vicfarmersmarkets.org.au/content/rdv-funding-available-regional-farmers-markets.



Young Farmers' Finance Scheme

The State Government's Young Farmers' Finance Scheme is designed to assist well-qualified young people wishing to establish themselves in farming. Loans are available under two categories:

• To purchase livestock and equipment - loans are available to enable young farmers to fulfil contracting, leasing or sharefarming arrangements. Loans are repayable over a term of up to 8 years, with a concessional interest rate of 2% below normal corporation rates for the initial 3 years.
• To purchase land - loans are available to assist with the purchase of a first farm, or extension to an existing property. The loans are repayable over 15 years, with a concessional rate of interest for the first 5 years.

Eligibility criteria Applicants should be:

• under 40 years of age
• have suitable farming experience and training in the type of operation to be pursued
• have the ability to manage financial affairs and accumulate savings
• be in genuine need of concessional finance
• be personally involved in the day-to-day operation of the land purchased

Applicants are expected to make a reasonable contribution and have reasonable tenure for their farming activities. Visit www.business.vic.gov.au or ruralfinance.com.au for more information or email: admin@ruralfinance.com.au.