Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he encourages farmers with clever, sustainable agriculture ideas to apply for grants of $5000 up to $50,000 under Round three of the Smart Farms Small Grants program. “I know how resilient and innovative farmers are and agriculture would not be the incredible industry it is today without our farmers,” he said. “The kind of projects farmers are implementing that improve natural resource management and benefit the environment, community, ag industry and economy are what we are looking for under this funding round,” he said. “Agriculture has a bright future and these Smart Farms Small Grants is one way our Government is encouraging the uptake of new knowledge and skills and increasing the capacity of farming, forestry and fishing communities to adopt best practice sustainable agriculture systems. “Farmers have always looked after the land and through these grants we can give them a helping hand with that task, so I encourage them to apply.” Projects funded under the first two rounds included new soil acidity management techniques; virtual fencing to protect riparian habitat; improved orchard pollination and bee health using drone technology, as well as mentoring activities connecting farmers and students. Up to $5 million will be provided under Round 3 of Smart Farms Small Grants, with funding of between $5,000 and $50,000 available. Projects may be delivered locally and regionally—and must be completed by 30 June 2022. The Smart Farms program is the key agriculture initiative under phase two of the National Landcare Program. Round 3 Smart Farms Small Grants applications are open until 19 December 2019. For more information and to apply, visit the Community Grants Hub website www.communitygrants.gov.au.
Media contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744 5 November 2019
