14 September 2018
Final round of Farmers’ Fund partnership grants open
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.
Find out more about the final round of Farmers’ Fund grants here.
Media Contacts:
David Jochinke, Victorian Farmers Federation President, 0427 834 524
Andrew MacDonald, Stakeholder Media & Communications Advisor, 0418 282 875
About the VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is dedicated to representing the interests of farmers and making a
positive difference to their businesses and communities. We strive to create an environment for our
members, our farmers, that enables profitable, safe, sustainable production to ensure an enduring social
licence in a community that respects and values the sector.