Previous grant recipient, Robert conducted a successful trial of a multi-species cover crop on his sugar cane farm.
Tweed farmers can now apply for grants of up to $4,000 to help improve the sustainability, productivity and resilience of their farming operations through Council's Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program.
Now in its eighth year, the program supports practical on-farm projects that deliver environmental benefits while strengthening the long-term viability of agricultural businesses. Funding can be used to trial new farming methods, implement sustainable land management practices and address environmental challenges on agricultural land.
Since launching in 2018, the program has awarded 49 grants worth approximately $160,000 to support projects across the Tweed, including erosion control, riparian restoration, native revegetation, water management and soil improvement initiatives.
Council's Acting Program Leader – Sustainable Agriculture, Aiden Sloman, said the grants help local farmers take the first step towards adopting new practices.
"Farmers manage much of the Tweed's landscape and are uniquely placed to deliver positive environmental outcomes alongside agricultural production," Mr Sloman said.
"The program gives farmers an opportunity to trial new approaches with less financial risk.
"That can help build confidence before making a larger investment or committing to a significant change in farm management.
"The most successful projects we've helped fund started as simple ideas and evolved into lasting improvements for both farm businesses and the surrounding environment.
"The existence and success of these grants is really a reflection of our shire's incredible farmers and their willingness to innovate and commit to being great stewards of the land for future generations," Mr Sloman said.
Previous grant recipients have reported significant environmental and productivity benefits.
John from Pumpenbil said the program enabled his farm to fence off gullies and waterways, creating wildlife corridors and improving pasture management.
"Limiting cattle access to waterways and providing clean drinking water through troughs has improved both animal health and pasture condition. Equally valuable has been the technical advice and support provided through the program," he said.
Another farmer, Robert from Stotts Island, was also impressed with the program.
"There will be no need to add chemical nitrogen to the sugar cane trial site, crop results showed about 45 tonnes of dry matter and 200 units of nitrogen from the multi species cover crop trial in comparison to 30 units of nitrogen in the soybean crop, which could not be harvested due to the wet weather," he said.
To be eligible, applicants must be primary producers or actively farming land within the Tweed Shire. Projects must demonstrate clear environmental benefits and align with program objectives, including improvements to soil health, water quality, biodiversity or broader natural resource management outcomes.
Farmers considering a project are encouraged to contact Council's Sustainable Agriculture team early to discuss their idea before applying.
For program guidelines, examples of previously funded projects and application information, visit www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/sustainable-agriculture-small-grants or contact the Sustainable Agriculture team on 02 6670 2400.Key dates
Applications close on 30 August 2026 for first-round consideration. Applications received after this date may continue to be assessed while funding remains available. If all funding is allocated, applications will be considered in the next funding round.
