The Morrison government will invest billions into a forward-thinking Future Drought Fund that will provide 100 million a year to help rural and regional Australia become more prepared and resilient to the impacts of drought.
“Drought is an enduring feature of the Australian landscape. It has economic, environmental, and social impacts on our farmers, communities, and landscape,” said Littleproud.
There will also be a further $10 million allotted to Climate Services for Agriculture program, and another $3 million will be given to a Drought Resilience Self-Assessment Tool.
“These programs will give farmers and communities the tools they need to prepare for, manage, and sustain their livelihoods during droughts,” explained Littleproud.
Designed through consultation with farming communities, the programs are created to tackle issues like the restoration and creation of natural resources such as soil, vegetation, and water retention.
They will also grant farmers access to vital research, climate tools, and strategic business management training so they can “prepare for, manage, and sustain their livelihoods during a drought.”
The peak body for Australian farmers the National Farmers Federation (NFF) welcomed Littleproud’s announcement.
“The NFF and our members have continued to call on governments at all levels to recognise drought as an ever-present challenge, even during seasonally good years,” said Simpson
“The activation of the Future Drought Fund is an important milestone in Australia’s approach to drought,” she said
Agriculture, Simpson explained, is one of the most volatile sectors in the Australian economy, and “for too long, as a country, we have been reactive towards drought.”
This has made Australia unable to get drought preparedness, management, and recovery right as a nation, Simpson revealed.
“It is important that drought policy in Australia is a collaborative effort, with formal input from governments, communities, farmers, and other stakeholders,” she said.
Simpson said that the NFF was “particularly pleased” with the creation of the $20 million national Farm Business Resilience Program.”
“The NFF has been advocating for the roll-out of this sort of program for some time. It will give farmers key tools and insights to manage their financial risks,” Simson said.
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