The application period Farm Business Assistance program will be extended to 31 July 2019 to allow eligible farm businesses further time to apply.

The Victorian Government (through Agriculture Victoria of the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (Agriculture Victoria) is offering Farm Business Assistance for eligible farm businesses in the Wellington Shire, East Gippsland Shire, Northern and North West Victoria.

The Farm Business Assistance Program provides support payments for eligible farm businesses that are experiencing significant financial pressure because of prolonged drought and dry seasonal conditions and industry downturn. The Program offers a one-off grant payment of $2,500 or $3,500 per eligible farm business.

Who can Apply

Grants under the Program are available for the following eligible farm businesses, in the amounts shown:

• Farm Household Allowance (FHA) recipients in Wellington Shire or East Gippsland Shire ($3,500).
• Young farmers in Wellington Shire or East Gippsland Shire ($3,500).
• Remaining commercial farms in Wellington Shire or East Gippsland Shire ($2,500).
• Northern and North West Victoria dairy farmers that are FHA recipients ($2,500).
• Northern and North West Victoria young dairy farmers ($2,500)
• Northern and North West Victoria non-dairy farmers that are FHA recipients ($2,500).

The Program has general eligibility requirements for all applicants as well as specific eligibility requirements for each cohort.

Only one grant is available per eligible farm business.

Duration of the Program

The grants will be available from the date of the Program opens until 31 July 2019.

Scheme eligibility criteria are contained in the attached guidelines.

Applicants are encouraged to contact Rural Finance on 1800 260 425 if further assistance is required.

Victorian Government Support

For more information about this and other drought support being provided by the Victorian Government contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or visit http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons