Powering Victorian agriculture with new energy grants

TIER Two and Tier Three on-farm energy grants are now open as part of Agriculture Victoria’s Agriculture Energy Investment Plan.

The grants program, which forms a key part of the $30 million Plan, will help farmers better manage energy costs by improving energy efficiency, boosting own generation and investing in new technology.

Grants are available to eligible farm businesses for projects that achieve energy efficiency or provide the business with energy productivity improvements to support longer-term sustainability.

Tier One on-farm energy grants opened on August 17 this year and address the immediate needs of farmers seeking to make simple investment decisions on-farm with funding of up to $50,000 available for eligible farmers and relevant projects.

Tier Two on-farm energy grants of $50,000 to $250,000 (excluding GST) will provide support for energy improvements across farm systems that implement recommendations from farmers’ Type Two energy assessment.

Tier Three on-farm energy grants of $250,000 to $1 million (excluding GST) are available for strategic projects that benefit multiple farm businesses and make a positive contribution to the region.

Departmental spokesperson, Megan Higson said she encouraged farmers to undertake a free on-farm energy assessment.

“An assessment provides recommendations on how farmers can improve the energy efficiency and productivity of their farm business,” Ms Higson said.

“An on-farm energy assessment is required to be eligible for an on-farm energy grant.”

All grant streams are now open and you can apply for an on-farm energy assessment or an onfarm energy grant online at agriculture.vic.gov.au/agenergy.