Round three of the Smart Farms Small Grants program allows farmers with clever, sustainable agricultural ideas to apply for grants of up to $50,000 — a key agricultural initiative under phase two of the National Landcare Program.

“We want to hear about clever projects that improve natural resource management and benefit the environment, community and economy. Right now Australians are concerned about our farmers because of this long and damaging drought. Justified as those concerns are, those farmers who are less affected are looking ahead because bad as the current drought is, agriculture has a bright future,” said Bridget McKenzie, Minister for Agriculture.

The grant program is one way the government is encouraging the uptake of new knowledge and skills, and increasing the capacity of farming, forestry and fishing communities to adopt best practice sustainable agriculture systems.

Up to $5 million will be provided under round three of Smart Farms Small Grants, with funding of between $5000 and $50,000 available. Projects can be delivered locally and regionally, and must be completed by 30 June 2022. Grant applications will be open until 19 December 2019, with further information available on the Community Grants Hub Website.

“Farmers have always looked after the land and through these grants we can give them a helping hand with that task, so I encourage them to apply,” said Minister McKenzie.

The first two rounds funded a range of projects, including new soil acidity management techniques, virtual fencing to protect riparian habitat, improved orchard pollination and bee health using drone technology. The rounds also provided funding for mentoring activities connecting farmers and students.