Tweed Shire Council is offering grants of up to $4,000 to help local farmers adopt sustainable practices through its Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program.
Now in its seventh year, the program supports farmers to implement best practices and foster environmental innovation in agriculture. Funding is available for eligible activities that trial or lead to the adoption of improved farming techniques.
Council's Program Leader – Sustainable Agriculture Eli Szandala, said the grants are part of 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," Mr 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.
"We encourage farmers to bring their unique ideas to us and have a chat with our Sustainable Agriculture team before applying."
To be eligible, applicants must be primary producers or actively farming their land in the Tweed Shire. Projects also need to meet certain objectives, such as addressing an environmental problem or improving soil, waterways, or biodiversity on farmland.
The program complements other support available for landholders, including the River Health Grants and Biodiversity Grants.
Previous grant recipient, Judy Butler, a third-generation farmer from Doon Doon, 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," Ms 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.
"It's fantastic that Council has been able to assist with technical and financial support to help me address this issue because it's something that benefits the whole community."
The Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program highlights Council's commitment to working with the community to reduce our impact on the natural environment and adapt to climate change for a sustainable future.
To view the grant guidelines, previous grant recipients' projects or to find out more visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/agriculture
