Fed: Farmers able to get funding for innovation

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2000
Fed: Farmers able to get funding for innovation

CANBERRA, Aug 1 AAP - The government has called for innovative farmers to put up their
proposals to win federal funding.

Agriculture Minister Warren Truss announced today applications were being taken for
the $18 million farm innovation program.

It is part of a range of initiatives announced in this year's Budget aimed at rural areas.

Under the program, businesses and individuals will be able to get funding for innovative
practices, process and products in primary industries.

"The feedback from business operators in the agricultural, food, fishing and forestry
industries suggests that significant change is more likely to occur when they can see
practical and tangible results, particularly those developed by others like them," he
said in a statement.

"This program could be the answer for producers who want to manage change better and
make their business more productive and profitable, or who have a good new idea they want
to implement."

Applicants need to operate as registered businesses with a turnover of between $50,000
and $3 million in any of the preceding three years.

Selected projects will be funded to up to 50 per cent of the total cost, with initial
applications closing by September 29.

AAP sw/mfh/cjh

KEYWORD: INNOVATIVE

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