Smart Farm Funding now available

October 24, 2017: Farmers, fishers, community and industry groups in the north can apply for grants of between $5,000 and $100,000 to assist them to protect and improve the condition of soil, vegetation and biodiversity and support agricultural systems to adapt to change.The Smart Farms Small Grants program, which will provide $50 million over six years through the National Landcare Program, opens today.Our farmers know the importance of protecting and caring for the land so they are able to pass on productive and healthy farms to future generations.People in Central and North Queensland value what the National Landcare Program has brought to the table since it started in 1989.Numerous groups and individuals have taken the opportunity to get involved in Landcare over the years and now we have extended the opportunity for more farmers and community groups to apply for grants that will help develop the next generation of smart farms.Smart Farms Small Grants will provide grants of between $5,000 and $100,000 to develop and extend new tools, methods and technology for farmers to continue to be at the forefront of land management.I encourage farmers and other locals to find out more about the Smart Farms programs and how to apply via the link below or by calling my office.Our farmers are innovators, and the government is supporting that innovative thinking to help local farmers continue to profitably farm smarter, not harder.For more information on the grant and how to apply: www.nrm.gov.auFast Facts:

• Our farmers manage 61 per cent of Australia’s land.

• Part of the $134 million over six years for the Smart Farm Program through the next phase of the $1 billion National Landcare Program.

• Smart Farm Small Grants are available between $5,000 and $100,000.

• Round One opens 24 October and closes 7 December 2017.