The Victorian Scheme provides grants up to $3,000 to young farmers (under 35) to obtain advice and prepare a Business Plan with a qualified consultant. I have worked with a number of young farmers and helped them put together strong business plans which have proven very helpful.
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- Be under 35 at 1 July 2011;
- Have purchased or inherited their first farm between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2012
OR
Have entered farming as a share farmer or lessee for the first time between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2012;
- Be operating a farming business in Victoria, derviving at least $40,000 gross income per annum from the business or demonstrate an ability to achieve this in the first full year of production;
- Be working in the farm business for at least 2 full days per week;
- Demonstrate that a minimum farm related capital investment of $50,000 has been made into this business;
- Have an ABN and be registered for GST.
Evidence such as birth certificates, share farming agreements, lease agreements and land purchase contracts will be required, where appropriate to demonstrate compliance with these criteria
* Share Farmers are defined as those who own farming assets in their own right and can demonstrate that they are trying to improve or develop the value of these assets.
The Grants are for $10,000 with $3,000 for the preparation of the Business Plan and $7,000 for Business Development.
Phone Alan on 03 5229 6196 or 0408 296 195 to arrange preparation of your First Farm Business Plan
More info: www.ruralfinance.com.au
Govt scheme
First Farm Grant
