Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes announced the additional government support for northern dairy farmers who continue to be affected by poor seasonal conditions and high input costs.
The cash package will go towards hiring additional financial and business counsellors for farmers and small businesses in Shepparton and Swan Hill, with almost $1 million allocated to the North East and North West Rural Financial Counselling Services.
Part of the $2.7 million package will also support Regional Development Victoria to work with Murray Dairy to re-establish the Rural Skills Connect program.
“Our dairy farmers in Northern Victoria are still doing it tough after extended dry conditions — and this funding boost will ensure they continue to get the support they need to make their farm businesses more resilient,” Ms Symes said.
“I would urge everyone impacted by drought and dry seasonal conditions to visit the Agriculture Victoria website and apply for the support that’s available to them.”
In February, Ms Symes announced a $12.6 million drought package which included one-off payments of up to $3500 for farmers aged under 35 and those receiving the Farm Household Allowance. Other eligible farmers in northern Victoria and Gippsland were entitled to a one-off payment of up to $2500.