A NEW directory to connect farmers affected by drought, natural disaster or biosecurity events with Australian Government financial and mental health support has been launched.
The new Farm Relief Tool is a collaboration between Australian Government farm business lender Regional Investment Corporation (RIC), Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
It provides important resources for farmers seeking to prepare and recover when faced with challenging times.
RIC chief executive officer John Howard said the Farm Relief Tool has been developed in response to agriculture industry calls for simple and easily accessible resources and RIC is pleased to collaborate with DAFF and NEMA to produce it.
“Just like other useful tools farmers have in their shed, the Farm Relief Tool is a simple directory for farmers hit by drought, natural disasters and biosecurity events to quickly and easily find Australian Government options available to support them in tough times and help them to get back on their feet,” Mr Howard said.
“We’ve heard from the agriculture industry when farmers know where to find help, they feel more confident, and they have a better outlook on their ability to recover.
“We know from our own recent customer survey that nine out of ten RIC customers agree their RIC loan has made drought, natural disasters, or external disruption recovery easier.”
The online Farm Relief Tool is available online now www.ric.gov.au/farm-relief-tool, and in person from next month through the Rural Financial Counselling Service, or from RIC, NEMA and DAFF information stands at community agriculture events.
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