Rural Business Support
Free support to help farmers find clarity during tough times. Farmers across South Australia are facing increasing financial pressures due to challenging seasonal conditions, including frost and market downturns. Thanks to funding from the South Australian, Australian, and Northern Territory Governments, Rural Business Support (RBS), through the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS), is providing critical assistance to help primary producers navigate these tough times.
- 400 farming families are currently working with a RBS Rural Financial Counsellor
- 61% of these farming families have sought support from RBS in the past year
RBS’s Rural Financial Counselling Service offers a range of free, confidential and independent services to support eligible farmers, fishers, foresters and small related enterprises to:
- consider the impact of the season on individual and family wellbeing
- understand their true financial position (income versus outputs, debt, insurance and oncosts)
- navigate their financial issues (might include debt management, refinancing options)
- consider long and short-term implications of market changes
- identify options for their business
- develop plans to manage cash flow and creditor payments
- access dispute resolution services
- consider transition to retirement and succession pathways
- seek broader professional advice and support
- access government and community grants, programs, or schemes.
In addition to the RFCS, RBS offers further support through its Relief Fund, which provides small grants to help farming families with essential items such as groceries, medical bills, council rates, water, and school fees. This fund is designed to provide additional support to families who are engaged in the RFCS. Farmers are encouraged to contact RBS at the first sign of financial strain.
For more information, visit ruralbusinesssupport.org.au or call 1800 836 211.
Grain Producers and Fat Farmers
Grain Producers SA is partnering with Fat Farmers to hold a number of Community BBQ’s across regional SA with 2 being held on Eyre Peninsula in early December.
Locations, Dates, Times below:
Ceduna Football Club – Monday 9 December from 8.30 – 10.30am
Cowell Football Club – Tuesday 10 December from 8.30 – 10.30am
Purpose:
- Bring growers (across commodities in some regions/industry) and the community together
- Create a space for people to come together in an informal setting
- Provide an opportunity to get ‘off-farm’
- Plan a walk/run for those who want to join
- Share a breakfast BBQ
- Connect in with support services (roaming/informal)
Who:
- Essentially everyone is welcome!
- Local grain growers
- Local agriculture industry
- Local community
- Local support services
- Ag Bureaus
- Farming Systems Groups
We are partnering with the below organisations/businesses:
- Fat Farmers
- PIRSA – The Department of Primary Industries and Regions under the Family and Business Support Program
- Rural Business Support
- FaB Mentors
- Specialty Foods – Adelaide
- Lucerne Australia
Livestock SA Launches ‘Beyond the Paddock’ BBQ series to Strengthen Agricultural Communities
Livestock SA has launched the Beyond the Paddock BBQ series, designed to bring producers and communities together to take some time out and support each other with the challenges beyond the paddock. In partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) and the SA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, agricultural groups and organisations across South Australia are invited to apply for $300 to host community led gatherings.
Livestock SA President, Joe Keynes said with challenging seasonal conditions affecting many producers, these BBQs provide an opportunity for farmers to connect, share knowledge, and support one another.
Applications are open to recognised agricultural groups and organisations across South Australia from Monday 21 October to Friday 8 November (unless funds are exhausted prior). To apply, visit the Livestock SA website and fill out a simple application form: https://bit.ly/4f8v4Yf
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Farm Household Allowance
The Farm Household Allowance (FHA) program provides assistance to commercial-scale farmers and their partners who are experiencing financial hardship for any reason.
The program provides eligible farmers and their partners with a package of assistance that includes:
- up to 4 years of fortnightly income support (in every 10-year period)
- ancillary allowances such as Pharmaceutical Allowance, Telephone Allowance, Rent Assistance and Remote Area Allowance and a Health Care Card
- a professional financial assessment of the farm business (worth up to $1,500)
- funding to help develop skills, access training and pay for professional advice (up to $10,000 per person)
- Regular tailored support of a case manager.
You can get help to understand and apply for Farm Household Allowance. Specially trained staff are available on the Farmer Assistance hotline at Services Australia, call132 316 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
You can also talk to a Rural Financial Counsellor. It is a free service. They will evaluate your situation and let you know what you can apply for. Find your local service provider by visiting the Rural Financial Counselling Service webpage.
See all drought and rural support provided.