The Victorian Government is providing more support to help farmers in Northern Victoria manage the effects of dry seasonal conditions and secure their long-term future.
Victorian Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes announced an additional $2.7 million in support for northern dairy farmers who continue to be affected by seasonal conditions and high input costs.
The extra support will put additional financial and business counsellors on the ground for farmers and small businesses in Shepparton and Swan Hill, with almost $1 million allocated to the North East and North West Rural Financial Counselling Services.
The funding boost will also support Regional Development Victoria to partner with Murray Dairy to re-establish the Rural Skills Connect program – with over $315,000 to support dairy farming families and farm workers seeking off-farm income to develop new skills and use their existing expertise to gain new employment.
The Government’s On-farm Drought Infrastructure Support program has received more than 3,400 applications since it began in late 2018 – and an extra $1.4 million boost will ensure North and North West, Central and East Gippsland farmers continue to receive up to $5,000 to improve the preparedness and resilience of their farms.
The new Navigating Farm Development decision support tool and Panel of Animal Industry Experts initiative, also launched this week, will assist famers and local government to navigate planning and permit requirements for animal industries.
These tools will make it easier for dairy farmers and local government to plan their infrastructure investments, and transition to more intensive farm systems if they choose.
The dairy industry has helped shape this support package and the Victorian Government is committed to working with Victorian farmers to ensure the right support is on hand, when and where they need it most.
Source: Vic Government