A partnership helping primary producers and communities become more resilient to the impacts of drought is being extended to include the wine grape sector in a key resilience training program. 

The Farm Business Resilience Program funded between the state and federal governments and industry partners, provides practical help to farmers to help manage significant climate risks, including future droughts. 

Farmers are given access to subsidised learning and development opportunities in strategic business management, farm risk management and decision making, natural resource management, and personal and social resilience. 

Support is also provided to develop or update a farm business plan.

In addition to supporting farmers, farm managers and employees in the South Australian livestock, grains, dairy and vegetable sectors, the program will be available to South Australian grape growers initially in the Riverland, Limestone Coast and Langhorne Creek regions and will be delivered by the Wine Grape Council SA.

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt says Australian farmers are already among the world’s most resilient.

“But with droughts and extreme weather likely to become more severe with climate change, there is no better time than now to plan and get equipped to manage those risks. 

“The Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience program is designed to support sustainable and resilient farm businesses now, ready for when the next drought hits.

“This extension builds on the success of the program’s foundational year, which ran across Australia, and expands the support to more farmers – including to South Australian wine grape growers.”

State Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven says primary producers face a range of uncertainties every day, including significant climate risks, and the possibility of future droughts. 

“The extension of the Farm Business Resilience Program to South Australian wine grape growers means this vital sector will be equipped with the tools to manage these risks. 

“In doing so, grape growers and the communities they support will be strengthened to make better business decisions when facing and recovering from adverse events into the future and maintain the financial and environmental sustainability of their businesses.”

The Farm Business Resilience Program is part of the federal government’s Future Drought Fund.

For more information on the Farm Business Resilience Program in South Australia visit the federal or state websites.