• A $34.2 million (GST exclusive) competitive grants process for innovative projects to manage and prepare for the impacts of drought has opened today
• The Drought Resilience Innovation Grants are a key element of the Future Drought Fund’s Research and Adoption program.

Expressions of interest are invited for projects to manage and prepare for the impacts of drought through the Federal Government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund (FDF).

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Drought Resilience Innovation Grants would drive development, extension, adoption and commercialisation of drought resilience practices and technologies.

“If we want our Australian farmers – and the communities and businesses that depend on them – to thrive through future droughts, we need new ideas, practices, technologies and ways of doing business,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Innovation is critical to our agriculture sector. We are looking for those bright sparks out there with ideas that could transform agricultural practices, technologies and business models to make Australian farmers and communities more resilient to droughts.

Member for Mallee, Anne Webster said the Government was looking to support a range of activities and the grants are split into three categories: an ideas grant, a proof-of-concept grant and an innovation grant.

“Ideas grants and proof-of-concept grants are for good ideas that need some further development. Innovation grants are for mature ideas,” Dr Webster said.

“Whether you’re from an innovation organisation, the private sector, industry, not-for-profit organisations, community group or a consortium – now is the time to get involved.

“If you have a great idea that needs some dollars behind it, then I encourage you to participate in the Future Drought Fund’s Drought Resilience Innovation Grants, which has over $34 million available to support drought resilience innovation projects.”

For more information about the FDF Innovation Grants and to apply please visit: www.communitygrants.gov.au and for more information about the FDF Research and Adoption Program visit: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought-fund/research-adoption-program