Photo: The Weekly Times

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes announced that applications for the Farm Business Assistance Program were officially open, which provides one-off support payments to eligible farm businesses in Wellington and East Gippsland shires, and eligible dairy farmers in northern and North West Victoria.

The program is targeted at farm businesses identified as being most at risk and is part of the Labor Government’s recently announced $12.6 million drought support package.

Eligible farmers are invited to apply for a Farm Business Assistance payment of:

• $3500 for Farm Household Allowance recipients in Wellington and East Gippsland shires
• $3500 for young farmers in Wellington and East Gippsland shires
• $2500 for remaining commercial farms in Wellington and East Gippsland shires
• $2500 for Northern Victorian dairy farmers that are Farm Household Allowance recipients and/or young dairy farmers.

Our $1 million Farm Support Fund will also be available shortly in Northern Victoria to those not eligible for the Farm Business Assistance Program.

Other drought and dry conditions support for farmers now available include the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Support Grants of up to $5000 and the On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme returning up to $25,000 to farmers.

The Labor Government has provided almost $43 million in support for farmers and farming communities dealing with drought and dry seasonal conditions.

For the program guidelines and application form visit ruralfinance.com.au or call Rural Finance on 1800 260 425.

More information about support for farmers is available from Agriculture Victoria’s Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or at agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons.