The Victorian Farmers Federation has announced the opening of applications as part of the final round of grants under the Farmers’ Fund.
VFF is strongly encouraging dairy farmers, particularly those contending with drought and extreme dry conditions in parts of the state, to apply for grants of up to $10,000 before the two-year partnership with Coles draws to a close on 29 October 2018.
VFF President David Jochinke said the latest and 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 and extremely dry conditions.
“The VFF is keenly aware many farmers are currently contending with the hardships presented by drought and near-drought conditions in parts of Victoria,” said Mr Jochinke.
“The current and 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 drought and drought-like conditions prevailing in parts of the state.”
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 and drought-like conditions in parts of the state,” said Mr Jochinke.
“With the Farmers’ Fund partnership now reaching its conclusion, the VFF will continue its advocacy efforts to advance the interests of all of our member farmers across the state.”
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