Funding farming resilience

NSW Rural Assistance Authority director John Newcombe said funds are available to support farmers to grow their business skills and invest in new business efficiencies to better manage seasonal fluctuations and drive productivity gains.

The Rural Assistance Authority is an independent Statutory Authority established in 1989 by the NSW Government to administer a wide range of assistance measures to the rural sector. 

“Primary producers are encouraged to apply for assistance available under the $45 million Farm Business Skills Program to acquire the knowledge and skills to build improved resilience and adaptability in the agricultural business,” Mr Newcombe said.   

“This program is part of the NSW Government’s $300 million drought package and has been developed to support farm businesses in all conditions, but particularly in relation to preparing for and responding to drought.  

“Currently the seasonal conditions have turned around favourably for many of our primary producers, but now is the right time to prepare for adverse conditions.  

“The program assists farmers to upskill, access training and farm business skills to be better prepared and better able to manage risk, financial and business planning or decision making capacity,” Mr Newcombe said.  

A maximum of $5000 per farmer and $9000 per farm business is claimable over the next five years to cover professional development courses and activities.

The program – DroughtHub – has information and resources on:

For more information or to apply, visit droughthub.nsw.gov.au