Backing new drought resilience projects

The Albanese Government is investing up to $10 million in a new two-year initiative to help make drought resilience products and services more commercially available.

The Drought Resilience Commercialisation Initiative will work with creators to get drought resilience innovations closer to market and closer to Australian farmers, in order to help them adapt to a changing climate.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt said the Initiative continued the work of the Future Drought Fund (FDF) in supporting farmers and regional communities to prepare for and better manage dry conditions in the future.

“While some regions across Australia are experiencing widespread and devastating flooding at the moment, drought is also a natural part of our landscape, and periods of drought are likely to become more frequent and severe with climate change,” Minister Watt said.

“The Albanese Government understands that by helping farmers prepare now, communities will be better prepared to weather the impacts of future droughts.

“This will help farmers remain drought resilient, whilst increasing profitability and sustainability.

“The Initiative will be a two-year pilot through to mid-2025 to assess the impact of Commonwealth involvement in drought resilience commercialisation and help inform future policy development.”

Applications for the delivery partner role are now open via open tender procurement process until March 10, 2023. The chosen delivery partner will provide a tailored, one-on-one commercialisation service, to support innovators increase their commercial viability and overcome barriers to market.

Applications for pilot participants are expected to open early in the 2023-24 financial year.

To learn more about the Drought Resilience Commercialisation Initiative, visit AusTender.