South Australian grain and livestock producers have the opportunity to learn how to manage and adapt to adverse events and improve their business’ economic, environmental and social resilience thanks to a new farm resilience program.
Applications are now open for the AgRi-Silience Program, which is a part of the Farm Business Resilience program, jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Government of South Australia, delivered by Livestock SA and Grain Producers SA.
The program will connect producers with professionals who will deliver a mix of on-farm support and group workshop learning to assist in the development of Resilience Roadmaps for each participating farm business.
AgRi-Silience Steering Committee chair Samantha Neumann said the program will be open to all South Australian livestock and grain producers, with the aim of building resilient producers and businesses which tap into their strengths and support systems to overcome farming adversity and challenges.
“The training will be specific and individually tailored to ensure maximum benefit for participating businesses,” she said.
“Livestock SA and GPSA will contract local facilitators to deliver facilitated learning, strategic planning processes, expert guidance and coaching to support farm businesses in the development of their own Resilience Roadmap.
“These Roadmaps will help producers to build resilience and boost productivity, profitability and sustainability over the long-term.”
The program will be delivered through peer group strategic planning processes, one-on-one business coaching and advice as well as workshops which will provide access to resources and online tools to support business planning.
“Subject matter experts will be engaged by the local facilitators based on the support participants require in areas such as natural resource management, informed decision making, business management and planning and personal and social resilience,” Ms Neumann said.
Each participating business is required to contribute $500 (ex. GST) and, where there is a genuine need, may be able to access reimbursement for travel and childcare costs from PIRSA.
To maximise the benefits of the program, it is recommended two members of a farm business attend the training. Additional participants are welcome, subject to demand and will need to pay for the full cost of the program.
