MULTI-YEAR grants of between $250,000 and $4 million to establish innovative sustainable land management practices are now available in Leichhardt under Landcare’s new Smart Farming Partnerships.
Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch said innovative groups, organisations and individuals in the agriculture, fishing, aqua-culture and farm forestry industries should put their heads together and apply for a grant under the $60 million Smart Farming Partnerships program, which opened today.
“These Smart Farming Partnerships are designed to encourage the development, trialling and implementation of next generation farming, forestry and fishing practices,” Mr Entsch said.
“The program will back larger projects and the formation of effective partnerships between experienced and skilled organisations and individuals to improve our soils, vegetation and biodiversity.
“Having healthy and productive soils, biodiversity and vegetation benefits farmers, communities and consumers,” Mr Entsch said.
“Applying sustainable land and water management practices on the ground and harnessing local knowledge is delivering tangible environmental and financial benefits to communities and farm businesses—that is why the Federal Government has invested $1 billion in the future of Landcare.
“I know Far North Queensland farmers are innovators, and the Federal Government wants to support innovative thinking by helping local farmers to continue to farm smarter, not harder,” Mr Entsch said.
For more information on how to apply for a Smart Farming Partnerships grant visit: www.nrm.gov.au
Fast facts
• Part of the $134 million over six years for the Smart Farm grants through the next phase of the $1 billion National Landcare Program.
• Smart Farming Partnerships are multi-year grants of between $250,000 and $4 million for groups of organisations. The round opens on 19 October and closes 21 December 2017.
• Landcare is protecting iconic places and threatened plants and animals, with more than 450 projects helping to protect these important environmental assets.
