Grants for Northern Rivers farmers to boost best practice

Two new grants are on offer to Northern Rivers farmers to encourage environmental best practices and support producers transitioning to certified organic status.

The latest round of Tweed Shire Council’s Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program is now open for applications until August 30, and the Santos Organics Grow the Growers Project, open until July 25, offers support for organic agriculture and food security.

The Santos project identifies emerging and established farmers ready to expand commercially and who are transitioning their farms to certified organic.

It also aims to support new organic (or organic in-conversion) farms by providing a market in the Northern Rivers.

The grant closes July 25 and provides an overall total of $17,000 for up to four farms wishing to become “organic in-conversion” with an Australian certifying body.

The Tweed Shire Council’s Sustainable Agriculture Grant offers $4,000 for eligible activities, including trials and adoptions of improved farming practices.

The Council’s Program Leader of Sustainable Agriculture, Eli Szandala, said it was one way the Council can support farmers in improving soil, waterway, and natural area management.

“Given agriculture’s significant role in land use and its pivotal contribution to the region’s economy, offering technical and financial support to farmers for projects focusing on sustainable agricultural practices is crucial,” Mr Szandala said.

“These practices are critical as we all strive to conserve our environment, respond to climate change, and enhance the resources on farms which are essential for their long-term viability.”

The grant program has been running since 2018 and complements other Council incentives, including the River Health and Biodiversity Grant Programs.

For grant guidelines, head to tweed.nsw.gov.au/agriculture and www.santosorganics.com.au/pages/supporting-local-growers