Farmers, fishers, community and industry groups in the Electorate of Parkes submitting applications for the first round of the $50 million Smart Farms Small Grants need to be quick as applications close at 2pm AEDT on 7 December.
The Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton urged people with a good idea about how to improve soils, vegetation and biodiversity to get their applications in swiftly and make that idea a reality.
“The Coalition Government’s Smart Farms Small Grants of between $5,000 and $100,000 will help land managers and community groups to come up with, or take advantage of that next great idea,” Mr Coulton said.
“Smart Farm Small Grants will support the development and extension of new tools, methods and technology for farmers to continue to be at the forefront of land management.
“Our farmers care for 61 per cent of our land and have a long-held reputation for sustainable and innovative land management.
“Through the $1 billion National Landcare Program, the Australian Government is backing farmers’ natural instinct to care for the land.
“The government is supporting innovation leading to improved soils, vegetation and biodiversity, and in turn, helping farmers in the Electorate to be productive and profitable.
“Thursday 7 December is fast approaching so my message to those people who have a vision for the future of agriculture is to get their application in.”
For more information on the grant and how to apply: www.nrm.gov.au
Fast Facts:
• Our farmers care for 61 per cent of Australia’s land.
• Part of the $134 million over six years for the Smart Farm Program through the next phase of the $1 billion National Landcare Program.
• Smart Farm Small Grants are available between $5,000 and $100,000.
• Round One closes Thursday 7 December 2017 at 2pm AEDT.