Dairy farmers in the Southern Milk Pool have two more weeks to apply for grants for farm business improvement projects before the final round of Farmers’ Fund grant applications draw to a close on 29 October 2018.
The Victorian Farmers Federation is advising dairy farmers in Victoria, the NSW Riverina, Tasmania and eastern South Australia they can still apply for the grants before the two-year Farmers’ Fund Partnership with Coles comes to an end.
VFF President David Jochinke said the final round of grant allocations would allow dairy farmers to invest in projects to improve and assist their operations, with priority given to initiatives demonstrating a clear and measurable benefit in promoting resilience and relief from the impacts of drought.
“The VFF is keenly aware many farmers are dealing with the hardships presented by drought and difficult spring conditions,” said Mr Jochinke.
“This 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 current drought conditions.”
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,” said Mr Jochinke.
“With the Farmers’ Fund partnership now reaching its conclusion, 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.”
The Farmers’ Fund was made possible through the partnership with Coles, with 20 cents a litre raised from the sale of Farmers’ Fund milk in Coles supermarkets across Victoria.
Media Contacts:
David Jochinke, Victorian Farmers Federation President, 0427 834 524
Andrew MacDonald, Stakeholder Media & Communications Advisor, 0418 282 875