THE FEDERAL Government has announced new grant funding for farmers to tackle sustainable agriculture at the grassroots level.

In a statement, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program Small Grants are designed for individuals as well as farming, community and Indigenous groups to lead on-ground projects.

“The Albanese Government is committed to supporting farmers as they respond to climate change and become more sustainable into the future,” Minister Watt said.

“We are helping ensure that climate-smart agriculture techniques become a normal part of the industry.

“This will take effort from every part of the sector, with farmers and community groups working hand in hand.

“Sustainable, climate-smart agriculture is not a one-size-fits-all situation.

“What works in one part of the country might not be effective in another.

“And sustainability can mean many things – anything from better natural resource management, to reducing chemical use, or even improving soil health.

“This is the beauty of these grants – they will target what works at the local level, accounting for differences in soil composition, rainfall, and business models.

“They can be used to try something new or to scale-up something that is already working.

“They are open to individual farmers and community groups of all stripes, and I want to encourage any Indigenous community organisations to get involved, given their long-standing dedication to caring for country.”

Funding comes from the Natural Heritage, the Federal Government’s key investment platform for achieving its natural resource management, sustainable agriculture and environmental protection outcomes. Starting in 2023-24, the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program is pencilled in to allocate $302.1 million over five years.

“These grants are part of wider sustainable agriculture measures from the Albanese Government, including next month’s Sustainable Ag Summit where 150 groups from the sector will come together to work on a path forward to reduce emissions, while improving productivity and profitability.

“I’ve seen the drive from the agriculture sector to respond and adapt to climate change.

“Many farmers are already implementing measures that are designed to drought-proof a property or save a farmer money, that can end up improving on-farm sustainability.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the results of these grants.”

The grant round will open on 30 April. To find out more, visit: Climate-Smart Agriculture Program – DAFF.