This excellent scheme enables eligible farmers in EC areas to obtain professional advice from farm management consultants which can be paid for by redeeming vouchers.

To obtain the full amount a consultant must first confirm the farms likely long run viability.  The scheme allows up to $1,000 to do this.  The remainder of grant funds can then be applied to farm planning.  Farmers who are receiving the interest rate subsidy don’t require a viability assessment, as this was carried out in order to obtain the subsidy.  We often do the viability assessment for less than $1,000 and only charge for the time taken.

Eligibility is not affected by the level of farm income or off-farm income.

To be eligible farmers must be in EC declared areas.  There is a $750,000 limitation on the amount of off-farm investments you can have.  This does not include superannuation and / or Farm Management Deposits.  Almost all clients in EC areas qualify for these grants.

For details of how we work with clients in using the grants contact Alan Blackburn’s office on 03 5229 6196.  We will send you a six page information pack plus an application form.