Joint media release: Boosting the resilience of Tasmanian farmers

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP
Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water, the Hon Gavin Pearce MP

The Albanese and Rockliff governments are extending the highly successful Farm Business Resilience (FBR) program through to 2029, with a further $6.2 million for the second phase of the program announced today.

The FBR program is a joint initiative funded under the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and by the Tasmanian Government.

FBR Phase 2 will be delivered by the Tasmanian Government through the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) and TAS Farm Innovation Hub.

Program activities focus on strengthening the resilience and preparedness of farmers and rural communities in response to drought, a changing climate and other business challenges.

The FBR program provides practical training delivered by farming experts, business coaching to build confidence in decision-making and risk management, and training tailored to individual businesses, risks and circumstances.

With flexible delivery options, including online and face-to-face options, peer-to-peer and group learning and one-on-one coaching; farmers gain access to valuable tools, skills and techniques to consider their business objectives, risks and better plan for their own future and for that of their farm business.

FBR Phase 2 will build on the success of Phase 1 of the program, which directly engaged more than 400 primary producers in Tasmania and supported the development of more than 200 business resilience plans. 1300 people also participated through workshops, webinars and other industry events.

Primary producers are encouraged to register their interest online.

Further information will be provided by TIA once the program is underway.

For more information about the program in Tasmania, visit: www.nre.tas.gov.au/FBR

Quotes attributable to Minister Collins:

“Drought is always a case of when, not if, so being prepared is vital.

“That’s why the Albanese Government is working in partnership with the Tasmanian Government to ensure communities across the state can prepare for and respond to changing drought and climate conditions.

“Tasmania’s farmers and producers are at the centre of this successful program which we are pleased to be extending through this investment.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Pearce:

“Tasmanian farmers are as good as it gets, but as we navigate these uncertain times, it’s important to have the supports in place should they be needed.

“Giving our farmers the tools they need to better prepare their business to manage drought and climate variability will play an important role in future-proofing the industry.  The tools will also hold our farming businesses in good stead for other farming pressures, including the current fuel, fertiliser and other input challenges.  

“Our agriculture sector has never been more important, that’s why the Tasmanian Government is stepping up to back our farmers in with this program.”