The Victorian Government is providing support for farm businesses and rural communities affected by drought and dry seasonal conditions.
Drought and dry seasonal conditions are a challenge for any farm business and the ability to make early decisions is important.
Agriculture Victoria has resources and information available to assist with many areas of farm management and a range of programs to assist farmers to make informed decisions.
Decision Making Support
Decision making workshops and services delivered by Agriculture Victoria and industry partners provide technical support to assist farm businesses manage dry seasonal conditions. Workshops provide information and advice on a range of topics including the design of stock containment areas, feeding livestock, farm water management, animal welfare, irrigation, whole farm planning and climate change risk management.
Network groups across the State also support farmers and industry groups to upskill and share information and ideas with fellow farmers. The Young Farmer Business Network and groups such as BestWool/BestLamb, BetterBeef and the Horticulture Industry Network are examples of these programs.
Farm Debt Mediation – Talk can be cheaper
Under Victorian legislation, banks and other creditors must offer to undertake mediation with farmers before they can initiate debt recovery on farm mortgages.
The service is low cost (currently $195 per session, per party), confidential, independent and can help avoid the costs and other consequences of expensive and potentially unnecessary litigation. Farm debt mediation is a structured negotiation process where a neutral and independent mediator assists the farmer and the creditor to try and reach agreement about current and future debt arrangements.
Agriculture Victoria administers the scheme and the Victorian Small Business Commission arranges the mediation service.
For more information please contact a farm debt mediation officer on 136 186 or email farm.debt.@ecodev.vic.gov.au
Rural Financial Counselling Service
The Rural Financial Counselling Service is a free independent and confidential service staffed by qualified and experienced Rural Financial Counsellors who understand farming and business.
A Rural Financial counsellor can help you understand your financial position, the viability of your enterprise and identify options to improve your financial position. The counsellor can also provide referrals and options for accessing government or industry grants and programs.
Counsellors are available to come to your place of business and have offices located across the State.
For more information call 1800 686 175 or visit www.agriculture.gov.au/rfcs
Agriculture Victoria contacts
For further information on the services and support Agriculture Victoria can provide call 136 186, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or speak to staff at your local Agriculture Victoria office.
Article kindly provided by Agriculture Victoria.Agriculture Victoria
