- Total of $29 million awarded nationally for 46 innovative drought projects
- iOyster project will get underway in Gilmore to better prepare for drought
- A key milestone for the Future Drought Fund Research and Adoption program
Farmers in Gilmore will benefit from a share of $29 million for projects to manage and prepare for the impacts of drought through the Morrison Joyce Government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund (FDF).
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Drought Resilience Innovation Grants projects are a key part of the federal government’s investment in innovation to help agriculture become more resilient to future droughts.
“We want Australian farmers, and the communities that depend on them, to thrive through future droughts, so we’re funding new ideas, practices, technologies and ways of doing business,” Minister Littleproud said.
The grants were split into three categories: ideas grants, proof-of-concept grants, and innovation grants. Ideas grants and proof-of-concept grants are for good ideas that need some further development. Innovation grants are for projects ready to get underway.
Senator for New South Wales Jim Molan welcomed the federal government investment in agricultural innovation in Gilmore, helping the local community and businesses prepare for future droughts.
“The project being funded here in Gilmore has potential benefits for regions across the nation,” Senator Molan said.
“I am pleased that the University of Wollongong has been awarded $45,454,54 for their iOyster Drought Resilient Oyster Farming project to design and develop the feasibility and potential trial of data capture and management using sensor technology for effective oyster farm management through a period of drought.”
“This is one of the innovative projects across Australia with the potential to deliver broad-scale agricultural change.”
For more information about Drought Resilience Innovation Grants visit: https://www.awe.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/drought/future-drought-fund/research-adoption-program/drought-resilience-innovation-grants
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