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The Farm Business Transition Program funding may be used for a range of activities, including planning, professional and technical advice, application of research and development innovations extension activities, and investment in on-farm infrastructure and improvements. These activities are intended to support the adoption of alternative farming systems and practices.

Grant funding of up to $75,000 (GST exclusive) over both rounds, per eligible applicant is available.

Costs incurred before a grant agreement is executed or the agreed activity start date are ineligible.

Applicants are required to provide 1:1 cash co-contribution, matching the dollar value of the grant funding approved. In-kind contributions will not be accepted as matched funding.

You must demonstrate a connection to the live sheep export by sea trade since 1 July 2020.

Applicants from Round 1:

Applicants awarded the maximum grant of $75,000 (GST exclusive) in Round 1 are not eligible to apply for further funding under Round 2.

Applicants awarded less than the maximum grant of $75,000 (GST exclusive) under Round 1 may apply under Round 2 for up to the remaining balance of the grant funding for different grant activities.

Applicants who were unsuccessful in Round 1 may apply in Round 2 for the same project or a different project.

Funding for this program is provided under the Phase Out of Live Sheep Exports by Sea - transition assistance initiative.

The Future Drought Fund Drought Resilience Hubs Program will establish 7 Drought Resilience Hubs (Hubs) across Australia, with the vision to build drought resilience across the drought cycle by connecting farmers and communities to regional experts, innovations, new practices and services.

The objectives of the program are:

• to facilitate the delivery of place-based extension and adoption activities with a realistic prospect of impact
• strong collaboration across the 7 Hubs, with Australian, state and territory governments, Research and Development Corporations and other relevant bodies
• robust governance frameworks that enable efficient, effective delivery with strong transparency and accountability mechanisms to build stakeholder trust.

The outcomes of the program are:

• increased farmer and community understanding of drought-resilient practices, innovations and services
• increased adoption of drought-resilient practices by farmers and regional and rural communities
• improved analysis and understanding by Hubs, Hub partners and government policymakers of drought-resilient extension and adoption gaps in the service region and identification of place-based solutions
• improved collaborative planning and delivery of drought-resilient activities between Hubs, state and territory governments, Research and Development Corporations, and industry/community stakeholders
• improved linkages between farmers and communities’ research needs and experts and researchers to support co-designed research solutions.

The Livestock Transport Industry Transition Program will assist livestock transport businesses, including those who have made investments in transportation of sheep and the delivery of essential export-related goods such as feed, bedding, water systems, veterinary supplies and handling equipment specifically for the live sheep export by sea trade, to transition to other transport-related activities which may require further investment.

Grant funding can be used for planning, professional and technical advice, training and co-funded investment in asset modification and acquisition.

Grant funding of up to $40,000 (GST exclusive) over both rounds, covers up to 50% of eligible costs is available. Cash co-contribution of 1:1 is required - the applicant must match the dollar value of the grant funding approved. In-kind contributions are not accepted as matching funding. Costs incurred before a grant agreement is executed or the agreed activity start date are ineligible. 

You must demonstrate a connection to the live sheep export by sea trade since 1 July 2020.

Applicants from Round 1

Applicants who were awarded the maximum grant of $40,000 (GST exclusive) in Round 1 are not eligible to apply for further funding under Round 2.

Applicants awarded less than the maximum grant of $40,000 (GST exclusive) under Round 1 may apply under Round 2 for up to the remaining balance of the grant funding for different grant activities.

Applicants who were unsuccessful in Round 1 may apply in Round 2 for the same project or a different project.

The Farm Management Deposit (FMD) Scheme assists primary producers to deal more effectively with fluctuations in cash flows. It is designed to increase the self-reliance of Australian primary producers by helping them manage their financial risk and meet their business costs in low-income years by building up cash reserves.

The scheme allows eligible primary producers to set aside pre-tax income which they can draw on in future years when they need it, such as for restocking or replanting when conditions start to improve.

Income deposited into an FMD account is tax deductible in the financial year the deposit is made. It becomes taxable income in the financial year in which it is withdrawn (repaid).