The Victorian Farmers Federation has today announced the allocation of more than $440,000 in grants for dairy farmer-led projects as part of the final round of the Farmers’ Fund partnership.
The Farmers’ Fund Panel sat earlier this week to assess applications, with priority given to projects encouraging infrastructure development, resilience building, management planning and sustainability, particularly in the context of current drought conditions in parts of the Southern Milk Pool.
Grants of up to $10,000 have been awarded to 46 projects, ranging from upgrades of on-farm infrastructure to irrigation and drainage improvements to business planning.
“The final round Farmers’ Fund grants will give dairy farmers opportunities to invest in much-needed projects to improve the efficiency, resilience and productivity of their operations,” said VFF President David Jochinke.
“The VFF knows the operating environment is difficult for dairy farmers, particularly given the drought conditions many are facing.
“With this final round of Farmers’ Fund grants we have prioritised projects which will go some way to promoting preparedness and resilience, while assisting dairy farmers, their businesses and communities in the long-term.”
The allocation of final round grants combined with a donation of $1 million from the Coles Nurture Fund brings the total funds raised for dairy farmers to more than $2.6 million since September 2016.
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.
“With the Farmers’ Fund partnership having now concluded, the VFF will continue its advocacy efforts to support all of our member farmers across the state, particularly in light of worsening drought conditions in parts of Victoria,” said Mr Jochinke.
Media Contacts:
David Jochinke, Victorian Farmers Federation President, 0427 834 524
Andrew MacDonald, Stakeholder Media & Communications Advisor, 0418 282 875