Farmers impacted by this summers’ bushfires will have access to $3,000 grants launched by the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF).
VFF President David Jochinke said the roll-out of the grants will follow the wind-up of the Fodder Drive as VFF has reimbursed in excess of $2.1 million dollars in freight payments for donated fodder. The grants will make a meaningful difference to farmers who are rebuilding their businesses
“Fire affected farmers can apply for a grant of up to $3000 for infrastructure items such as fencing, pipes, troughs, seed, fertiliser and stockyards.”
“Be it drought, bushfires or coronavirus, farmers must work together to always ensure that we have got each other’s backs.”
The grant program is an initiative of the VFF’s Disaster Relief Fund – a charitable fund that distributes grants to provide relief and assistance to farmers and rural Victorians following natural disasters.
“Funding has been made available thanks to the generosity of the public, including small farm enterprises and larger commercial businesses.”
“The spirit these donors have shown is the same spirit that helped deliver over 16,000 bales of fodder and feed for 80,000 animals immediately after the fires,” Mr Jochinke said.
Applications open on Tuesday 14 April 2020. Funds will be allocated on a ‘first in, best dressed’ basis until the available funding is committed.
Farmers can apply for the grant by visiting the VFF website www.vff.org.au or calling the VFF on 1300 882 833.
“I am looking forward to seeing the positive outcomes the VFF grants program will have, just as I saw firsthand the impact of our fodder drive in the immediate aftermath of the fires,” Mr Jochinke said.
Media Contact:
David Jochinke, VFF President, 0427 834 524
Amelia Bitsis, VFF, 0439 827 604