Events, grants and scholarships
Included below is a snapshot of various government supported events, funding, programs, grants and scholarships available to the WA agricultural sector.
Events
Getting value from farm data networks - 12th December 2017, Perth
The eConnected grainbelt project is running a grower group forum on developments in farm data and technology.
Register for sensitive sites - 14th December, online
Western Australian farmers with sensitive commercial production systems can register their property with the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development’s Sensitive Sites service.
The map is updated annually and farmers have until 14 December 2017 to register their property details on the 2017-18 Sensitive Sites online map.
The PER document will be made available from the department’s website on 18 December. Call the South Perth office on 9368 3333 to purchase a hard copy, or a CD version can be provided free of charge. The website will provide submission details.
Grants - new this edition
Accelerating commercialisation grant
Up to $1M is available for Australian entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors, start-ups, commercialisation offices and small and medium enterprises to commercialise novel products, processes and services. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Applications are considered by the committee every 6 to 8 weeks.
Advanced production systems fund
Horticulture Innovation is targeting horticultural growers with this fund to help growers remain internationally competitive and deliver consistent, quality produce. The new initiative will comprise investment in projects that increase farm productivity through greater crop intensification, protection and disruption. Ideas can be submitted at any time via the website.
Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development is calling not for profit organisations and Local Government bodies to apply for funding for community building activities including but not limited to new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans, leadership and capability building activities. Projects must be completed within 12 months and applications close on the19th December 2017.
Export market development grants
The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme is a key Australian Government financial assistance program for aspiring and current exporters. Administered by Austrade, the scheme supports a wide range of industries.
HARVEST accelerator for agtech start-ups
The nine-week program to support innovation in the agriculture and food industries and small to medium enterprises looking to scale will be delivered by AgriStart and will include workshops on pitch-coaching, marketing, business planning, raising capital, commercialisation, tech collaboration and partnering models. Applications open Tuesday 12 November 2017.
Investor ready incentive for food and beverage producers
Grants of up to $50 000 available to premium food and beverage businesses to fund activities that will support businesses to become investment ready. Applications open Friday 8 November 2017.
This funding from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources provides rebates for advice and assessments to help farmers prepare and apply for a new insurance policy that assists with the management of drought and other production and market risks.
These one-off rebates will be for half of the costs incurred by eligible farm businesses, up to a maximum of $2500 (GST exclusive). Closes 15th May 2019.
NACC habitat fencing incentive
Landowners in the Northern Agricultural Region are eligible for an incentive of $3500/km is available per kilometre of fencing to protect areas of remnant vegetation that support threatened species and ecological communities until June 2018.
Nurturing the next generation of farmers
Nestle is calling entrepreneurs in agriculture from around the globe to develop a pilot training course for the new leaders in Agriculture. Applications close 4th Feb 2018.
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources through Landcare has grants available for experienced and skilled organisations working in partnership to undertake projects to develop, trial and implement new and innovative tools that support the uptake of sustainable practices across our agricultural, fishing, aquaculture and farm forestry industries. These projects will protect and improve the condition of our important resources of soil, water, plants and animals which underpin productive and profitable primary industries. Applications close 2pm AEST 21 December 2017.
Grants - ongoing
Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) program
Grants are available for projects aimed at promoting cooperation in accessing international markets.
Community water supply program
The Community Water Supply Program (CWSP) provides grants of up to $100 000 for community water supply improvements in dryland agricultural areas receiving less than 600 mm average annual rainfall.
The Entrepreneurs’ Programme uses experienced Advisers and Facilitators, drawn from industry, to ensure businesses get the advice and support needed to improve their competitiveness, productivity and to seek growth opportunities.
Farm water supply planning scheme
Commercial broadacre farmer experiencing water shortages can apply for rebates to fund an audit and site inspection of farm water supply and improvements.
Producer Innovation Fast-Track program
A new initiative developed by MLA Donor Company (MDC) to catalyse producer innovation. The program provides the expertise, co-funding and support to producers who are innovators, early adopters, AgTech entrepreneurs or future value chain leaders.
Provides grants of up to $20 000 for commercial pastoralists looking to develop alternative watering points to reduce grazing intensity around existing overgrazed and degraded water supplies.
Provides tailored advice to help your business to develop a better understanding of your customer’s needs and requirements, increase your supplier capability, and improve your access to new and existing markets.
Scholarships
Expression of interests for Post-doctoral fellows are being called. These will need to demonstrate that projects will add value to an existing GRDC project and has the support of the project leader. Applications close 15 January 2018.
Western Australian sheep industry university scholarship program
The WA sheep industry scholarship program is designed to support and encourage individuals who wish to pursue further study by addressing key industry questions relevant to the sheep industry supply chain in Western Australia. Applications close 30 March 2018.