Calling for applications for sustainable farming grants
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Rural landholders, land managers, rural industries and groups in the Central Coast Plateau are being encouraged to apply for grants to implement on-ground works that have a sustainable agriculture focus.
The grants are being offered through the Central Coast Plateau Sustainable Farming Project.
The project is being managed by NSW Department of Primary industries (DPI) in conjunction with Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority, on behalf of the Commonwealth Government’s National Landcare Program.
NSW DPI project officer, Carolyn Jenkinson, said the grants were for landholders to implement on-ground projects targeting weeds and pests.
Projects may include control of aquatic weeds, innovative approaches to weed control and fencing out vertebrate pests.
There is also a small amount of funding available for erosion works, water efficiency and nutrient control projects.
Individual projects will be funded up to the value of $10,000, with landholders required to contribute not less than 50 per cent of the value of the project in cash or in-kind.
Ms Jenkinson said rural landholders and rural industries were acknowledging the links between environmental degradation and loss of agricultural activity.
"Problems relating to erosion, weeds and loss of biodiversity, all impact on the profitability and sustainability of our agricultural industries.
"The aim of the grants and related on-ground works is to increase acceptance and uptake of sustainable agriculture activities on rural lands and in the rural industries in the Central Coast Plateau and surrounding Local Government areas," she said.
Applications for funding can be lodged with NSW DPI from July 2008. The closing date for applications is 30 June 2009. All on-ground works are to be completed by 21 September 2009.
For further information and application forms contact Ms Jenkinson at Gosford Horticultural Institute on (02) 4348 1979 or carolyn.jenkinson@dpi.nsw.gov.au
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