Tweed sustainable farming grants

TWEED farmers can now apply for $4,000 under the Tweed Shire Council’s Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program.

For seven years, the program has supported farmers in implementing best practices and fostering environmental innovation.

Council’s sustainable agriculture program leader, Eli Szandala, said the grants were part of the council’s broader efforts to support landholders in managing soil, waterways and natural areas.

“With agriculture being a major land use and a vital component of the region’s economy, providing technical and financial assistance to farmers for projects that focus on adopting sustainable agriculture practices is so important,” Szandala said.

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

Third-generation Doon-Doon farmer Judy Butler said she used her grant to stabilise a landslip on her property with native trees and shrubs.

“The epicentre of the 2022 flood here in this valley and the devastation it caused to many other areas changed the landscape so much during that event,” Butler said.

“The creeks have taken new paths, and there were numerous landslips that damaged infrastructure and increased sediment loss to the creek.

“With support from council, we managed to stabilise this large slip, plant native trees and exclude cattle from the area.”

The program complements other landholder support, including the River Health Grants and Biodiversity Grants.

Applications close on July 31.

For more information, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/agriculture