Farmers in the Barker electorate are adopting the next generation of sustainable farming practices through Smart Farms Small Grants. Thirteen successful applications in the region will share in $6.48m Federal Government funding to carry out activities that increase farm productivity and boost natural resource management.

One of the successful applicants was the MacKillop Farm Management Group which receives $95,625 for grazing standing crops, enterprise versatility, resilience, summer groundcover and soil health. Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said Australian farmers produced the best food and fibre in the world because of their ingenuity, resilience and incredible work ethic.

“They have always looked after the land and this program supports their continued environmental stewardship by backing clever ideas that deliver good on-ground results,” he said. “The Australian Government is investing almost $6.5m through the fourth round of Smart Farms Small Grants towards a diverse range of local projects across Australia.”

“They aim to improve environmental, economic and social outcomes through better sustainability, productivity and profitability in the food, fibre and forestry industries.”

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said he was excited by the great ideas put forward by the successful local applicants under Smart Farms Small Grants. “This investment encourages clever ideas and goes directly to the grass roots, empowering locals to deliver benefits for their communities and natural resources,” he said.

“This is a key National Landcare Program initiative and part of the Australian Government’s commitment to helping industry towards its target of growing the sector to $100b by 2030.”