- Total of $29 million awarded nationally for 46 innovative drought projects
- Bendigo will see two projects get underway to better prepare for drought
- A key milestone for the Future Drought Fund Research and Adoption program
Farmers in the Bendigo region will benefit from a share of $29 million for projects to manage and prepare for drought through the Liberal and Nationals government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund (FDF).
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Drought Resilience Innovation Grants projects are a key part of the federal government’s investment in innovation to help agriculture become more resilient to future droughts.
“We want Australian farmers, and the communities that depend on them, to thrive through future droughts, so we’re funding new ideas, practices, technologies and ways of doing business,” Minister Littleproud said.
The grants were broken into three categories: ideas, proof-of-concept, and innovation. Ideas and proof-of-concept grants are for good ideas that need further development, and innovation grants are for projects ready to get underway.
Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie welcomed the federal government’s investment in agricultural innovation.
“It includes $45,454 for a drought planner app with tools to help cope,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Also, $45,454 for a Farmer Needs a Break project that looks at farm sitting and how farmers can plan a break during drought.”
These projects will potentially benefit local farmers and the communities that depend on them to become more resilient to future droughts.
For more information about Drought Resilience Innovation Grants, visit: https://www.awe.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/drought/future-drought-fund/research-adoption-program/drought-resilience-innovation-grants
Media Contact: Nicky McMillan 0439 438 500