Farmers in the Mackay Region can now apply for a share of $13 million in Australian Government Smart Farms Small Grants funding for activities to assist them in improving their understanding and management of their soil.

Our farmers know better than anyone how important soil management is to a well-functioning agricultural enterprise.

These grants will give growers a chance to further enhance their knowledge of soil leading to better soil management practices at the grass roots level.

Better soil management will deliver productivity benefits to our farmers and land managers and ensure they can maximise the potential of their land.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the round provided an exciting opportunity for raising awareness and knowledge of our nation’s soil.

“This round will continue to support the Smart Farms Small Grants Program outcomes while also supporting outcomes under the National Soil Strategy,” Minister Littleproud said.

“We all know that healthy soil is the basis for great agricultural output as well as environmental benefits, so this final round of Smart Farms Small Grants is getting back to basics.

“Soil extension activities will take action to improve soil health with evidence-based interventions leading to improved soil management practices.

“If we get this right, our farmers and land managers will see increased productivity and profitability, which will help the entire agriculture sector reach its Ag2030 goal to grow agriculture to $100 billion by 2030.”

Under this round, multiple activities may be applied for in the one application. Grants are available for between $100,000 to $250,000 per activity and will be delivered over two years.

Applicants may apply for a maximum of $2 million per application.

Eligible activities could include engaging a soil extension officer; conducting soil management workshops, seminars, roadshows or field days; creating communications products, webinars or online materials; and/or establishing trials, demonstrations and monitoring sites.

Extension Activities will seek to improve soil management, improving productivity and profitability. These measures will also support and complement the two-year National Soil Monitoring and Incentives Pilot Program which forms part of the National Soil Strategy.

For more information and details on how to apply, visit the Community Grants Hub www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants

Fast Facts:

• The Smart Farms program is the key agriculture portfolio initiative under phase two of the $1.1 billion National Landcare Program.

• To date, Smart Farms Small Grants has funded a total of 384 projects to the value of $25.5 million.

• The National Soil Strategy sets out how Australia will value, manage and improve its soil for the next 20 years.

• More than $54 million will be available under National Soil Monitoring and Incentives Pilot Program to encourage farmers and land managers to undertake more comprehensive soil testing in exchange for sharing their data with the program.

• Information about the Australian Government’s investment in Landcare can be found at www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/natural-resources/landcare/national-landcare-program/australian-government-investment-in-landcare

• Information about the National Soil Strategy can be found at www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/natural-resources/soils