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    David Littleproud.

Sustainable farms money shared

The Federal Government has recognised agriculture’s role in leading Australia’s socio-
economic recovery from COVID-19 by investing $5-
million into sustainable farming projects.

The government has provided the money through its $43.5-million Smart Farms Small Grants program.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said 113 projects would share in the latest funding round to equip farmers with new skills and knowledge to improve sustainability and their bottom line.



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“Our farmers have always looked after the land and we are giving them a helping hand to adopt best practice natural-resource management methods,” he said.

“It is a critical time for agriculture, which is poised to lead Australia’s recovery out of COVID-19.

“This funding will improve the resilience and productive capacity of farms but will also have an immediate effect of stimulating local economies and bringing people together, when the time is right.

“Locals know best and that’s why we’re supporting them in activities such as rolling out projects to improve soil health and demonstrating how new technology, such as drones, can help farming businesses.”

Smart Farms Small Grants is part of the second phase of a National Landcare program, a $1.1-billion Federal Government commitment to natural-resource management.

Minister Littleproud said successful recipients would receive grants of up to $50,000. The government is funding projects across the country from aquaculture to pest control, vegetation management and shelter belts to farm-in put efficiencies, soil health, climate and market management and the use of new technologies.

Sharing in the funding are – 

Birchip Cropping Group, $50,000 to define regenerative agriculture and build  an evidence base for Wimmera-Mallee landholders; $49,000 to increase landholder awareness of integrated pest management practices across the Wimmera-Mallee; Perennial Pasture Systems, $43,000, southern Wimmera, to help in making informed decisions for managing climate variability in grazing systems.

The entire May 27, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire May 27, 2020 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!