Primary Producer and Agricultural Assistance Grants and Programs
One of the ideal primary producing resources for the Australian economy is agriculture. Due to its increased prominence, the Australian government has concentrated on offering primary producers, farmers, and other workforces to ensure food sustainability within the country and the excess for export purposes. The government uses grants and programs to help in times of challenges, such as floods that have potentially damaged crops or lack of resources such as water or fertilizer needed during the farming process.
The Australian Federal and State government have invested in helping farmers who produce agricultural products for primary consumption through various grants and programs during tough times. Some programs and grants are namely, Drought Assistance grants, Natural Disaster subsidies, Flood Assessment Programs, Rural Landholders Programs, and Special Disaster Programs.
Grants for Primary Producers
Natural Disaster Subsidy
This is transport support offered to primary producers to assist with the transportation of water and fodder to property and livestock for sale of slaughter once a natural disaster has been officially declared. Any qualifying applicant may submit a single claim for a maximum subsidy of $15,000 for each designated natural disaster. It is independent of the number of the parcel of land involved and whether the catastrophe lasts for one or two fiscal years.
For road transportation, the program will give the subsidy at a rate of 50% of the entire sum paid to the carrier’s agreed-upon cost for a driver. Additionally, the maximum range of driving should be 1,500 kilometers. To qualify, one must be a primary producer with a right to or interest in an agricultural business, have assets that have been directly damaged by the natural event declared by the government, and contribute one’s labor and capital to the business.
Additionally, one must receive at least 50 % of one’s income from the business and have an Australian Business Number. Regarding the activities and cost, one should declare the disaster within three months of the initial stock, fodder, or water movement and within nine months of the last stock, fodder or water movement, as well as the submission of all claims for transportation subsidies.
Special Disaster Assistance Program
It is a line of the additional programs announced by the Federal and New South Wales (NSW) government to help primary producers affected by the flooding and extreme weather that started on 27th June 2022, up to date. For the program, 49 local government areas in New South Wales are now receiving assistance by getting grants of about $75,000 to help primary farmers recover from the devastating effects of floods.
To be an eligible grant receiver, one must produce agricultural goods primarily and make a labor contribution to the core growing enterprise.
Additionally, one must also intend to restart or carry on the business of primary agricultural production and possess an ABN by the same time the disaster occurred. Once the program approves one’s application, one will receive a cash advance of $25,000; after submitting legitimate tax invoices, one will receive an additional $50,000 for financial support.
Farm Household Grants and Allowances
Through this program, eligible framers and their partners can receive a variety of benefits for up to four years, including assistance such as rent assistance, a telephone allowance, a pharmaceutical allowance and a remote area allowance. The government will also fund expert guidance, training, and agricultural skill development, which can be $10,000 and includes reasonable travel and lodging to complete the training.
To be eligible to apply for the program, one must reside in Australia, have a title or interest in land, and have been using it for farming. Additionally, one also needs to be at least 16 years old. One must get into a financial assistance contract or already have one in place and devote a sizable portion of your capital and labor to the farm operation. One cannot benefit from the program if one currently gets other pension or social security benefits, has benefitted from a similar program in more than four years during the 10-year term, or does not satisfy the other requirements in the guidelines.
Flooded Property Assessment Program
This program benefits those individuals whose farms and other properties got destroyed during the June and July 2022 season. With this opt-in program, one will receive a free, thorough evaluation report that includes a specific list of needed repairs and an estimated cost of repairs. If the assessment determines that the property is dangerous and uneconomically fixable, one has the option to request demolition and garbage removal that the associated services will perform for no charge. The only eligibility required for this program is to be an Australian citizen and possess farmland to utilise for business operations.
Supply Chain for Horticultural Assistance Program
To ensure job security and future resilience and enable future output, this program assists primary producers affected by storms and flooding who need to recover. The program offers grants up to a maximum of $75,000 per affected farm business, per ABN, which must be met by an equal contribution by the company in cash or other forms.
The program will also provide grants of up to $30,000 each impacted for vegetable, berry, cut flower, and plant nursery businesses that have met an equal monetary contribution by the business. To be eligible, applicants must receive the $75,000 grant the Special Disaster Grant provides before accessing this program. The principal production firm must be in one of the areas designated by the government that has been declared disastrous due to storms and flooding. Additionally, applicant needs to be a landowner, share farmer, or have leased land for primary horticultural farming and produce and be an Australian citizen.
Rural Landholders Program and Grants
The program’s objective is to help the primary agricultural industry and rural landowners affected by the catastrophic floods that started in February 2022 across New South Wales. With that in mind, the New South Wales and Federal government have set up $740 million to help them recover from those events and start becoming productive.
To be eligible for $25,000, one must be a landowner and primary oyster farmer dwelling in areas designated by the government, have been impacted by the disastrous event, own at least 1 ha of rural land, and make at least $20,000 in primary production annually. The application will be closed on 30th June 2023, and by 30th September, one must finish all financed activities and expenses and present the form to the RAA.
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The Australian Federal government, along with local governments has invested substantially in the agriculture sector by ensuring it is sustainable by enriching primary production through grants and programs. Additionally, it has used these strategies to help recover from natural catastrophes and continue producing various agricultural goods that ensure the sector remains economically stable. If you are looking for grants or any type of assistance programs that will help you overcome challenges in the primary production of any agricultural goods, you have come to the right place. Contact us now and speak to one of our advisors who can guide you through the process of applying for assistance.
