The Future Drought Fund's $23 million Drought Resilient Soils and Landscapes Program opens today.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud said the competitive grants process will trial and demonstrate land management practices that support drought resilience.
"There are land management practices that can help farms manage during, and recover quicker after, drought. We want to help bring these practices into the mainstream," Minister Littleproud said.
"Practices that maintain strong groundcover helps the soil absorb and hold more water for longer and protects it from erosion and weeds.
"We want to show that such practices can be effectively applied at scale, so we're looking for projects that fit the bill. Projects that provide trials and demonstrations so farmers can learn and take confidence from and apply on their own farms.
"We want to see these projects done as partnerships, involving farmers and organisations such as the local Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, farming system groups, Rural Research and Development Corporation, and NRM regional bodies.
"This initiative will also make Australian farms more resilient to drought, and a big difference to Australian agriculture."
The grants process is open until 11 January 2022. Grants of $500,000 to $1 million (GST exclusive) are available. Visit the Community Grants Hub page here to apply.
A webinar will be held on 14 December 2021 to provide information on the grants process and how to submit a grant application.
