- Total of $29 million awarded nationally for 46 innovative drought projects
- 1 project will get underway in Capricornia to better prepare for drought
- A key milestone for the Future Drought Fund Research and Adoption program
Farmers in Capricornia will benefit from a share of $29 million for projects to manage and prepare for the impacts of drought through the Morrison Joyce Government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund (FDF).
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Drought Resilience Innovation Grants projects are a key part of the federal government’s investment in innovation to help agriculture become more resilient to future droughts.
“We want Australian farmers, and the communities that depend on them, to thrive through future droughts, so we’re funding new ideas, practices, technologies and ways of doing business,” Minister Littleproud said.
The grants were split into three categories: ideas grants, proof-of-concept grants, and innovation grants. Ideas grants and proof-of-concept grants are for good ideas that need some further development. Innovation grants are for projects ready to get underway.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry welcomed the federal government investment in agricultural innovation in Rockhampton, helping the local community and businesses prepare for future droughts.
“The ‘Female Farmers of the Future’ program is receiving over $45,000 of funding here in Capricornia with potential benefits for regions across the nation,” Ms Landry said.
“This project will develop the idea of a process model, based on case studies, for increasing the uptake of new tools, technologies and methods by women to improve drought and community resilience, including ideas such as a national summit, mentoring, on-farm implementation of practices.”
For more information about Drought Resilience Innovation Grants visit: https://www.awe.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/drought/future-drought-fund/research-adoption-program/drought-resilience-innovation-grants
