Applications are now open for $2.2 million (GST inclusive) in grants in 2015-16 to increase industry capacity and support the adoption of productive management practices.

Applications for the National Landcare Programme Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Round 2015–16 close at 2 pm AEDT Monday 7 December. For more information and to read the grant guidelines visit:www.nrm.gov.au/agsmallgrants.

The grants complement the delivery of the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper by supporting the resilience, competitiveness and productivity of Australian agricultural and fishing industries. It is expected that the Small Grants Round will have a positive impact on farming systems groups, community groups and individuals, enabling them to increase industry capacity and support the adoption of productive management practices, while maintaining or enhancing the natural resource base.

Grants of between $5 500 and $55 000 are available for projects that will achieve the objectives of the programme, which are:

  • Increase the capacity and knowledge of famers and fishers to productively and sustainably manage Australia’s natural resources
  • The adoption of appropriate management practices that will increase the production or improve product quality while maintaining or enhancing the natural resource base.

Examples of activities that may be eligible include:

  • field days, workshops, conferences
  • demonstration events or workshops
  • training or skill development sessions
  • community information or education sessions
  • development of decision-making tools
  • development of new information channels within the current knowledge system
  • conducting surveys.

Applications are invited from a range of entities, including farming systems groups, community groups and individuals to undertake projects across a variety of agricultural industries, including cropping, livestock, dairy, horticulture, pastoral, aquaculture and fisheries. All project activities should be completed by 31 December 2017.Applications for the Small Grants Round close 2.00pm (AEDT) Monday 7 December 2015.