Agriculture is the backbone of many economies, and farmers and graziers face constant challenges, particularly concerning droughts and climate risks. In Australia, the Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP) plays a crucial role in helping these agricultural businesses prepare for and navigate these challenges. In this blog, we’ll delve into the Farm Business Resilience Program, its benefits, and how it empowers farmers and graziers to build sustainable and resilient businesses.
Planning for Tomorrow’s Challenges
The Farm Business Resilience Program focuses on proactive planning to address the inevitable uncertainties of farming, with a primary focus on drought and climate risks. The program offers a range of resources and support to help farmers prepare for the future and enhance the sustainability of their businesses.
Key Features of the Farm Business Resilience Program
Learning and Development: The FBRP provides access to learning and development opportunities through training and workshops. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, including strategic business management, farm risk management, understanding climate forecasting, and personal resilience.
Farm Management Improvement: The program aims to enhance farm management and business performance. By providing valuable insights and strategies, it helps farmers optimize their operations for long-term success.
Business Resilience Planning: A pivotal component of the FBRP is assisting farmers in creating a Farm Business Resilience Plan. This plan serves as a roadmap for identifying and mitigating risks, capitalizing on opportunities, and ultimately ensuring the productivity and profitability of the farm.
Industry Workshops: The FBRP conducts industry-specific workshops, catering to different sectors such as grazing, cropping, and dairy farming. These workshops offer invaluable insights and knowledge tailored to the specific needs of each sector.
Supporting Queensland Farmers
The Farm Business Resilience Program primarily operates in Queensland, Australia. It collaborates with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) to provide support to grain farming systems and livestock businesses. Farmers in Queensland can also benefit from the Dairy Farm Business Resilience Program, which is designed to meet the unique challenges faced by dairy farmers in the region.
Accessing Grants and Loans
One of the key incentives for participating in the Farm Business Resilience Program is the opportunity to apply for drought assistance grants and loans administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA). To be eligible for these financial aids, farmers need to have a Farm Business Resilience Plan or an equivalent business plan that covers similar details.
Writing Your Resilience Plan
Farmers can either update their existing business plans or create a new one using templates and checklists provided by the DAF, Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), and Growcom. Canegrowers also offer support for writing business plans through their Farm Business Resilience Program. Additionally, industry workshops and professionals can provide assistance, and farmers can apply for a 50% rebate of the costs, up to $2,500, through a Farm Management Grant.
Collaboration with Other Programs
The Farm Business Resilience Program collaborates with various other programs and service providers such as Agforce’s AgCarE, natural resource management bodies, and agricultural consultants to support farmers in developing their plans and enhancing their overall resilience.
Drought Assistance Program
The Drought Assistance Program offered through the FBRP focuses on preparedness and business planning to manage the ever-present risk of drought in Queensland. It includes various grants and loans:
Drought Preparedness Grants: These grants provide financial support of up to $50,000 for on-farm capital improvements identified in a Farm Business Resilience Plan that improve drought resilience.
Drought Ready and Recovery Finance Loans: These loans offer financial assistance of up to $250,000 for preparedness measures consistent with the producer’s Farm Business Resilience Plan.
Farm Management Grants: This program provides a 50% rebate, up to a maximum of $2,500, for the cost of eligible professional advice to produce a Farm Business Resilience Plan for your property.
During Drought: In times of drought, the assistance includes interest-free Emergency Drought Assistance Loans of up to $50,000, Drought Carry-On Finance Loans of up to $250,000 at a concessional interest rate if the Emergency Drought Assistance Loan is insufficient, land rent rebates, and water license waivers.
Recovery: The program also extends support to recovery efforts, offering Drought Ready and Recovery Finance loans of up to $250,000 that can be used for activities such as restocking and replanting.
Conclusion
The Farm Business Resilience Program is a vital resource for farmers and graziers in Queensland, providing the tools and knowledge they need to thrive despite the unpredictable challenges of the agricultural sector. By encouraging business planning, risk assessment, and preparedness, the program plays a crucial role in strengthening the resilience of the farming community. With this program, farmers can plan for a sustainable and prosperous future, even in the face of climate uncertainties.
For more information click on this link https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/disaster/drought/assistance/farm-business-resilience-program
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