The Farm Relief Tool is a directory to connect farmers affected by drought, natural disaster or biosecurity events with Federal Government financial and mental health support.
A collaboration between Federal Government farm business lender Regional Investment Corporation, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the National Emergency Management Agency, the Farm Relief Tool provides important resources for farmers seeking to prepare and recover when faced with challenging times.
RIC chief executive officer John Howard said the Farm Relief Tool had been developed in response to agriculture industry calls for simple and easily accessible resources.
“Just like other useful tools farmers have in their shed, the Farm Relief Tool is a simple directory for farmers hit by drought, natural disasters and biosecurity events to quickly and easily find Australian Government options available to support them in tough times and help them to get back on their feet,” Mr Howard said.
“We’ve heard from the agriculture industry when farmers know where to find help, they feel more confident, and they have a better outlook on their ability to recover.
“We know from our own recent customer survey that nine out of 10 RIC customers agree their RIC loan has made drought, natural disasters, or external disruption recovery easier.
“We hope this simple handheld and online Farm Relief Tool helps to connect farmers with Australian Government help and will be a valuable directory to strengthen Australian agriculture.”
The arm Relief Tool is available online at www.ric.gov.au/farm-relief-tool and in person through the Rural Financial Counselling Service, or from RIC, NEMA and DAFF information stands at community agriculture events.